Air Fryer Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep idea. This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser.
It uses an air fryer instead of the oven for cooking, which is healthier and requires less oil. It’s also easier to clean and can be done in a shorter amount of time.
How to make pesto chicken
Make this easy air fryer pesto chicken for a quick and healthy dinner. The recipe is low in calories and fat, and it’s also packed with flavor. You can serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. You can also make it ahead of time and freeze it. To do so, pat the chicken dry and coat it with the pesto sauce. Then, place the coated chicken in an airtight container and store it in the freezer.
If you’re feeling creative, try experimenting with different variations of the pesto sauce. You can use sun-dried tomato pesto, roasted red pepper pesto, or kale pesto. You can even add a bit of ground cumin or paprika for a little extra spice. You can also try using different nuts in your pesto, such as walnuts or almonds.
This delicious and easy air fryer pesto chicken recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight meal. It’s a high-protein, low-carb meal that can be served with a side salad for a healthy and satisfying meal. You can even take this recipe to the next level by adding it to your favorite sandwiches or wraps. So go ahead and give it a try – we know you’ll love it!
Can you air fry chicken breasts
Air frying is an easy and delicious way to prepare chicken breasts. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Plus, it’s healthier than deep frying because you use less oil. This air fryer pesto chicken recipe is full of flavor and will definitely become a dinner favorite.
This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You only need boneless skinless chicken breasts and your favorite pesto sauce. It’s also healthy and low-calorie, so it’s a good choice for people on a weight loss journey. You can even add some roasted veggies to the air fryer basket with this recipe for a complete meal.
To prepare this dish, first pat the chicken dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Then, coat the chicken with pesto and sweet paprika. Make sure to evenly coat the chicken. Then, transfer it to the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through and to check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. It is also important to avoid overcooking the chicken so it doesn’t get dry and chewy.
What’s the recipe for air-fried pesto chicken
This air fryer pesto chicken recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is sure to please the whole family. It can also be a crowd-pleaser when you have guests over. The best part is that it’s healthy, low-carb, and full of flavor. This recipe is also versatile and can be customized to your tastes. You can experiment with different types of pesto sauce, or even add other ingredients like garlic powder and onion powder to the recipe for extra flavor.
To make this air fryer pesto chicken, start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Next, coat the chicken with the pesto sauce. Make sure to cover all of the chicken evenly.
Once the chicken is coated in pesto, transfer it to the air fryer and cook for 18 minutes. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure that it is cooked evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before serving it.
Serve this delicious pesto chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a great option for those following a low-carb diet, as it’s high in protein and healthy fats.
Can I cook chicken breasts in an air fryer
This air fryer pesto chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner that can be made in less than 20 minutes. It is also healthy and nutritious, with protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. This recipe is also low in calories, making it a great choice for people on diets. It can be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a filling meal.
This recipe uses chicken breasts, but you can also use skinless thighs if you prefer. If you want to make this dish even healthier, try using a low-calorie pesto sauce. This will give the chicken a more flavorful and creamy texture. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find. You can also add a variety of toppings to your chicken, such as sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. You can also substitute the pesto with a different flavor, such as sun-dried tomato or basil.
This recipe is great for meal prep because it can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It also reheats well in the microwave. For extra flavor, you can coat the chicken with a little more pesto before frying it.
Any tips for making pesto chicken in an air fryer
The air fryer is a great tool for cooking chicken because it provides a crispy exterior without the use of much oil. It is also a healthier option than traditional frying since it uses less fat and calories. This air fryer pesto chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It also tastes delicious and is healthy, with the added benefit of basil and parmesan cheese.
The main ingredient in this recipe is chicken breast, which can be boneless or skinless. It is important to cook it properly so that it doesn’t dry out. The chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Using a meat thermometer is helpful in ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked.
The chicken can be made with either homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. It is also possible to substitute the pine nuts in the pesto with other types of nuts, such as walnuts. This can make the dish gluten-free and dairy free if you are following those restrictions. The recipe is also easily adaptable to other cuts of chicken, such as wings or strips. You can even add a side of pasta or vegetables for a full meal.
How long to air fry pesto chicken breasts
This air fryer pesto chicken recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a crowd-pleaser and can easily be adjusted to suit your family’s preferences. You can make the pesto from scratch or use store-bought basil pesto sauce (like Prego). Both options are available at most grocery stores.
The secret to making this recipe is not overcooking the chicken. Overcooking will make the chicken dry and chewy. Instead, cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To ensure this, it’s important to use a meat thermometer and to check the temperature at different intervals.
Another key tip for cooking chicken in the air fryer is to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and may lead to undercooking in some areas. It’s best to cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
To serve this pesto chicken, you can top it with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese or other vegetables like roasted red peppers or mushrooms. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can serve it on a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This recipe is also suitable for those following a low carb diet.
What are some variations of pesto chicken
Pesto chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This versatile meal is low in calories and fat and high in protein, making it a great choice for people on diets. It’s also a good option for meal planning, as you can make a large batch of it and use it to make meals throughout the week.
You can vary the recipe by using different types of pesto sauce or adding other ingredients like garlic or lemon juice to enhance the flavors. You can also switch out the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables for a more nutritious meal. To make this dish even healthier, try substituting the parmesan cheese with avocado in the pesto sauce.
You can also replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter version of the recipe. This will also save you time and money. For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with quinoa or rice flour. Also, you can swap out the basil for another type of green herb, such as chives, sage, or rosemary. You can also add other proteins to the dish, such as grilled shrimp, chicken thighs, or Italian sausage.