Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Breast is a great recipe and perfect for a quick weeknight meal; it’s one of my go-to recipes; with only a few ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe that the whole family will love!

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Breast

Air fryer pesto chicken breast is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer cooks the chicken perfectly while the pesto adds flavor and moisture.

Everyone kept asking me for a chicken breast recipe after posting my Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Pesto Recipe!

And what can be better than a two-ingredient dinner? Use your favorite store-bought pesto, or use a homemade pesto. It’s incredible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You will love this air fryer pesto chicken breast recipe for many reasons.

• Quick and easy: This recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare and cooks quickly in the air fryer. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
• Moist and flavorful: The pesto sauce adds moisture and flavor to the chicken breast, making it juicy and delicious. It’s a great way to add flavor to chicken without using a lot of spices or herbs.
• Healthy: Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. It uses less oil and produces crispy food without the added fat and calories. Plus, chicken breast is a lean protein that’s good for you.
• Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste. You can use different types of pesto sauce or add other ingredients like garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: This recipe will surely be a hit with your family or guests. It’s a classic combination of chicken and pesto that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Overall, this air fryer pesto chicken breast recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy chicken. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. Try it and see why it will become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients Needed

Craving a quick and delicious meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Air-fried Pesto Chicken Breasts are the perfect solution!

This easy-to-make recipe is made with just two ingredients that you likely have on hand, and it cooks quickly so you can have a healthy dinner ready fast. Plus, you’ll love its flavor – tender chicken coated with herbaceous pesto and topped off with an irresistible crunch – what’s not to love? Read on for all of your air frying needs

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick meal. Other cuts of chicken can be used, although the cooking time will differ depending on the cut used.
• Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
• Seasoning: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Breast

Would you like to learn how to make a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish in your air fryer? If so, look no further than this flavorful pesto chicken breast recipe! With just a few ingredients and minimal time required for prep and cooking, this meal will be on the table in under 20 minutes.

Step One: Season Your Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Coat the chicken breasts with the pesto sauce. Be sure to cover them evenly.

Step Two: Air Fry Pesto Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or touching. Cook the chicken breasts for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step Three: Serving Pesto Chicken

Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How To Make Pesto Chicken On Stovetop

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and heat it for a minute or two, stirring frequently.
6. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the pesto sauce. Cook for another minute or two until the chicken is heated and coated with the sauce.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Breasts

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from drying out. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet until it’s an even thickness.
• Use fresh pesto: Make your own pesto or use fresh store-bought pesto. This will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Marinate the chicken in pesto: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in pesto for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with the flavor of the pesto.
• Add toppings: To make your air fryer pesto chicken breasts even more delicious, add toppings like sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, or roasted red peppers. Place the toppings on the chicken breasts during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Experiment with different types of pesto: Many types of pesto are available, from classic basil to sun-dried tomato. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and browning.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing: Rest for a few minutes once it is cooked. This will help the juices redistribute and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I set my air fryer to?

You should preheat your air fryer to 375°F for this recipe.

How long should I cook the chicken breasts for in the air fryer?

Cook the chicken breasts for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Defrost the chicken breasts in the refrigerator or using a microwave before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use a different type of meat?

You can use other types of meat, such as turkey breasts or pork chops, with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of sauce if you prefer. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer or on the stovetop. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—reheat before serving.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipe
• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Potato Slices

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