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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Spinach and Mozzarella

air fryer stuffed chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy air fryer recipe for juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sautéed spinach and melted mozzarella, featuring a crispy golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each), pounded slightly
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (30 g), roughly chopped and lightly sautéed
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese (115 g), shredded or sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, slice each breast horizontally almost all the way through to create a pocket. Pound breasts slightly if uneven.
  4. Divide sautéed spinach evenly between the two breasts, stuffing inside each pocket. Add mozzarella on top of the spinach inside the pocket. Press edges gently to seal.
  5. In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
  7. Brush outside of each stuffed chicken breast lightly with olive oil, dip into beaten egg, then coat generously with breadcrumb mixture.
  8. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Place chicken breasts in basket without touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If cheese oozes out during cooking, scoop it back inside with a spoon before serving. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, stuffed chicken breast, spinach, mozzarella, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-crispy-air-fryer-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-with-spinach-and-mozzarella/