Fajita-Stuffed Chicken combines the zesty flavors of classic fajitas with the convenience and health benefits of using an air fryer. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests. With tender chicken breasts stuffed with seasoned onions and bell peppers, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this delicious dish, provide tips for success, and answer some frequently asked questions about cooking chicken in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 small onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/3 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, or jalapeno slices
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut a pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the fajita filling.
- Make the Fajita Filling:
- Fill each chicken pocket with a mix of thinly sliced onions and green peppers.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and garlic powder. Brush this seasoning mixture over the outside of each chicken breast to coat them evenly.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook for 6 minutes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Open the air fryer and top each chicken breast with slices of cheddar cheese.
- Continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, serve the Fajita-Stuffed Chicken with optional toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or jalapeno slices for an added kick.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 1007
- Total Fat: 57.7g (74% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 25g (125% DV)
- Cholesterol: 349mg (116% DV)
- Sodium: 899mg (39% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 11.5g (4% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 3.4g (12% DV)
- Total Sugars: 4.5g
- Protein: 107.3g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in the air fryer. It's a great way to cook chicken quickly while achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) to be safe to eat.
2. Why is my chicken tough in the air fryer?
Chicken can become tough in the air fryer if it is overcooked or if the pieces are too thick. To avoid this, ensure you cut the chicken breast into uniform thickness and monitor the cooking time closely. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without becoming tough.
3. Should I cook chicken in the air fryer or oven?
Both methods have their benefits. The air fryer cooks chicken faster and uses less oil, making it a healthier option. It also helps achieve a crispy texture. The oven is great for cooking larger batches and provides even cooking but might take longer. Choose based on your preference and the quantity you are cooking.
4. Do you put foil on chicken in the air fryer?
It's generally not necessary to use foil when cooking chicken in the air fryer. However, if you're concerned about mess or want to keep the air fryer basket clean, you can use foil. Just ensure there is enough space for air to circulate around the food for even cooking.
Tips for Perfect Fajita-Stuffed Chicken
1. Preparing the Chicken:
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them slightly with a meat mallet if needed.
2. Warming the Tortillas:
- If serving with tortillas, warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes to make them more pliable and enhance their flavor.
3. Using a Meat Thermometer:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
4. Adding Vegetables:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like red bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the fajita filling for more variety and nutrition.
5. Cheese Options:
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
Fajita-Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 small onions halved and thinly sliced
- 1/3 medium green pepper thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese sliced
- Optional toppings: salsa sour cream, or jalapeno slices
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Cut to create a pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast.
- Fill it with onion and green pepper.
- Then take a bowl and mix olive oil and seasonings, coat chicken with it
- Cook in batches, place chicken on to oil greased air-fryer basket.
- Cook 6 minutes, then top the chicken with cheese slices
- Cook for 4 more minutes, then serve with toppings
Notes
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 1007
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 57.7g 74%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Cholesterol 349mg 116%
Sodium 899mg 39%
Total Carbohydrate 11.5g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g 12%
Total Sugars 4.5g
Protein 107.3g
Variations and Serving Suggestions
1. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas (Ninja):
- For a variation, use a Ninja air fryer and follow the same recipe. The Ninja air fryer is known for its even cooking and crisping abilities.
2. How Long to Cook Chicken Fajitas in Air Fryer:
- If making traditional chicken fajitas, cook the seasoned chicken strips and vegetables at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. How to Cook Chicken Fajitas in Air Fryer:
- Combine chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas Skinnytaste:
- For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts, low-fat cheese, and serve with a side salad. This version is perfect for those following a calorie-controlled diet.
5. Air Fryer Fajita Wraps:
- Use the fajita-stuffed chicken to make wraps. Simply slice the cooked chicken and place it in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
6. How to Cook Fajitas in Air Fryer:
- Cook the chicken and vegetables separately in the air fryer, then combine them in a tortilla or serve over rice for a deconstructed fajita bowl.
7. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas BBC Good Food:
- Follow a similar recipe but refer to BBC Good Food for unique seasoning blends and additional tips for making the perfect air fryer fajitas.
8. Air Fryer Fajitas Bored of Lunch:
- For a creative twist, add pineapple chunks or mango salsa to the fajita filling for a sweet and savory combination.
9. Fajita Stuffed Chicken Air Fryer Time:
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Thicker pieces may require an extra minute or two to ensure they are fully cooked.
10. Fajita Stuffed Chicken Air Fryer Recipe:
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices, using different vegetables, or incorporating unique toppings like avocado slices or fresh cilantro.
11. Fajita Stuffed Chicken Air Fryer Ninja:
- If using a Ninja air fryer, follow the same recipe instructions. The Ninja’s high-powered air circulation will ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.
Conclusion
Fajita-Stuffed Chicken cooked in the air fryer is a delightful and healthy dish that brings together the bold flavors of fajitas with the ease of air frying. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients and spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this Fajita-Stuffed Chicken is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken with your favorite toppings and sides for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
