Transform your dinner into a gourmet experience with these Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken with a flavorful stuffing, all wrapped up in a crispy outer layer. It’s a perfect dish for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal. Follow these steps to create this delicious and visually appealing dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup spinach, cooked and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (for a low-carb option)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Toothpicks
- Three shallow dishes
- Tongs
Preparation Steps:
- Flatten the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them to about 1/4 inch thickness. This makes them easier to roll.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together the spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff and Roll the Chicken:
- Place a portion of the filling on one end of each chicken breast.
- Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with beaten egg, one with breadcrumbs or almond flour, and one with olive oil.
- Dip each chicken roll first in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs or almond flour, and finally brush with olive oil.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Place the chicken rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Remove the toothpicks, slice if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Perfection:
- Even Thickness: Flattening the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking and rolling.
- Secure the Rolls: Use enough toothpicks to keep the rolls securely closed during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the air can circulate freely around each chicken roll.
Why This Recipe Works:
The air fryer provides a perfect cooking environment for these stuffed chicken rolls, ensuring the outside gets crispy while the inside remains moist and flavorful. The combination of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan offers a creamy and savory filling that complements the chicken beautifully.
Visual Appeal:
These chicken rolls present beautifully, with a golden-brown crust and a deliciously inviting aroma. Slicing the rolls before serving reveals the creamy, colorful filling, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty. Serve with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls, a dish that promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors, sure to impress anyone who tries it.