Imagine biting into a juicy chicken breast that's packed with creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness - all achieved in just 35 minutes with your trusty air fryer! This isn't just another chicken recipe; it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience. Whether you're a spice lover, a cheese enthusiast, or just someone who wants an impressive meal with minimal effort, our Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with an equal amount of the jalapeno popper mixture, ensuring that it is filled generously but not overflowing.
- Once all the chicken breasts are stuffed, lightly spray the outside of each breast with cooking spray. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture during cooking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping the breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- After 20 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- If the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Slice the stuffed chicken breasts in half to reveal the creamy jalapeno popper filling, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm jalapenos for the best flavor and ensure you remove the seeds if you want to control the heat level.
- Make sure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to create a smooth, creamy filling that blends easily.
- When cutting the pocket in the chicken breast, use a sharp knife and cut slowly to avoid piercing through the entire breast.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cooking in a single layer ensures crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it moist and allow the juices to redistribute.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust the outside of the chicken with breadcrumbs before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 145mg
