Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

Table of Contents

Introduction

Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken is a comforting, pub-style classic made lighter and faster without sacrificing flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, wrapped. smothered in a rich tomato-based hunter’s sauce, and finished with melted cheese—all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, yet special enough for a weekend dinner. The air fryer ensures the chicken stays tender while giving the bacon and cheese a delicious finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 18–22 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

1 teaspoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs

½ cup hunter’s sauce (see below)

¾ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Quick Hunter’s Sauce

½ cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon BBQ sauce

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry. Lightly brush with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3 minutes.

Place chicken in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Final Cook

Return to the air fryer and cook for another 8–12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 75°C / 165°F internally and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Perfect Hunter’s Chicken

Pound chicken slightly for even cooking

Use pre-cooked bacon to avoid excess grease

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket

For extra browning, increase temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the final 2 minutes

Variations

Spicy Hunter’s Chicken: Add chili flakes or hot sauce

Mushroom Hunter’s Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce

BBQ-Style: Use smoky BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire

Low-Carb: Skip sugar in the sauce and serve with greens

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Air fryer potatoes or wedges

Steamed green beans or broccoli

Fresh salad or coleslaw

Garlic bread

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken is a delicious, no-fuss meal that delivers big flavor in minimal time. Juicy chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese come together beautifully, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you try it in the air fryer, you may never go back to the oven version!