🌀 Air Fryer Hasselback Caprese Chicken 🍅🧀
Looking for a mouthwatering weeknight dinner that’s as stunning as it is simple? This Air Fryer Hasselback Caprese Chicken is your new go-to! Tender chicken breasts are sliced Hasselback-style, stuffed with melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a brush of basil pesto — then air-fried to golden, bubbly perfection ✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💖
✅ Quick & Easy
✅ Low Carb & Gluten-Free
✅ Family-Friendly
✅ Only 5 Main Ingredients!
✅ Ready in 20 Minutes ⏱️
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1–2 large tomatoes, sliced 🍅
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced 🧀
- 2–3 tbsp basil pesto 🌿
- Olive oil spray
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Make horizontal cuts about ¾ of the way down the chicken breasts, spaced about 1 inch apart. Don’t cut all the way through!
- Season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil spray.
- Stuff each slit with a slice of mozzarella and tomato. Be generous! 😋
- Brush or drizzle pesto over the entire chicken breast. Extra flavor, yes please!
- Air fry for 15–18 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F) and cheese is bubbling and golden 🫶
- Rest for 2–3 minutes, then dig in!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- A fresh arugula salad 🥗
- Garlic butter green beans 🧄
- Roasted potatoes or cauliflower mash 🥔🌿
🧊 Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to maintain that crispy cheese edge ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Use a sharp knife and place chopsticks on either side of the chicken breast to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Try sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor punch 🍅🔥
- Swap in vegan cheese and plant-based pesto to make it dairy-free 🌱
📝 Final Thoughts
This air fryer Caprese chicken is everything: quick, cheesy, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian bistro — without ever turning on the oven 😍