Air fryer Chicken breasts stuffed with pesto

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer (Low Intensity):
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Chicken Breasts (Medium Intensity):
   • Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff with Pesto (Medium-High Intensity):
   • Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of pesto inside each chicken breast pocket. Be generous but leave some space around the edges.
4. Add Cheese (Medium Intensity):
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella inside the pesto-stuffed pockets.
5. Seal Chicken Breasts (Medium Intensity):
   • Press the edges of the chicken breasts to seal the pockets, ensuring the pesto and cheese are securely inside.
6. Coat with Olive Oil (Medium-High Intensity):
   • Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil. This helps achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
7. Air Fry (Medium-High Intensity):
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
8. Check for Doneness (Low Intensity):
   • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning (Low Intensity):
   • Optionally, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken breasts for added flavor.
10. Garnish and Serve (Low Intensity):
    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
    • Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve hot.
11. Enjoy your Air Fryer Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts! (Low Intensity):

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: XXX
• Protein: XXXg
• Carbohydrates: XXXg
• Fat: XXXg
• Fiber: XXXg
• Sugar: XXXg

Note: Customize the pesto with your favorite herbs and nuts. The air fryer creates a juicy and flavorful chicken with a crisp exterior. Serve these stuffed chicken breasts with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.