Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls offer a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. These chicken rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of mozzarella cheese, creamy cream cheese, sweet corn, and a hint of spice from green chilies. By using the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without deep frying, making this recipe a healthier yet indulgent option.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for the family, these stuffed chicken rolls are sure to impress. With the air fryer’s ability to cook the chicken to juicy perfection while crisping up the breadcrumbs, you get a satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines the rich flavors of cheese, cream cheese, and savory chicken with a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, cheesy dish without the need for excessive oil. The addition of sweet corn and green chilis in the filling adds a delightful texture and subtle heat, making each bite even more flavorful.

This recipe is also easy to customize. You can switch up the cheese, add more vegetables, or adjust the spice level based on your preference. Plus, the air fryer makes it quicker and healthier than traditional frying, saving you time and reducing cleanup.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, cut 3/4 way through horizontally, then pounded flat
• Mozzarella cheese slices
• Canned corn, drained
• Cream cheese
• Minced garlic
• Green chilis
• Mexican cheese blend (shredded)
• Cilantro, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, well beaten
• Breadcrumbs

Variations

This recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences:

• Different Cheese: Swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add more green chilies, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra spicy punch.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy cheese blend.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the filling for an added burst of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by cutting the chicken breasts horizontally, about 3/4 of the way through, creating a pocket. Then, pound the chicken flat using a meat mallet to make it easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced garlic, canned corn, green chilis, shredded Mexican cheese blend, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Rolls

Lay out each flattened chicken breast and place two slices of mozzarella cheese in the center. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the chicken, and then roll the chicken breasts tightly, securing the filling inside.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Rolls

Prepare a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each stuffed chicken roll first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully covered.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve

Allow the chicken rolls to rest for a few minutes before slicing them. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Use Toothpicks for Stability: If the rolls are not staying closed, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends, but be sure to remove them before serving.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results and to ensure the chicken rolls cook evenly.
• Flip for Even Crispiness: Flip the chicken rolls halfway through the cooking time for a golden brown, crispy exterior on both sides.

How to Serve

These Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a satisfying main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Salads: Serve with a refreshing side salad, such as a Caesar salad, coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad.
• Rice or Quinoa: Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes are great options for a balanced dinner.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, salsa, or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispy coating, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer or oven.

Freezing

To freeze the stuffed chicken rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook them, air fry the frozen rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in ones.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to coat them in breadcrumbs just before cooking.

3. Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?

Be sure to tightly roll the chicken and secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary. Also, don’t overstuff the chicken to ensure it stays intact.

5. Can I bake these stuffed chicken rolls instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before using them in this recipe for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can microwave them to thaw.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

9. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, cornflakes, or panko for a different texture.

10. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted to other meats like pork or turkey, but cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy filling, and a crispy breadcrumb crust makes each bite irresistible. Plus, the air fryer ensures a healthier cooking method while still delivering a golden, crispy texture. Whether you serve these rolls with a side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

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