1. Start by laying your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice them halfway through horizontally, creating a pocket for the pesto and pepperoni stuffing.

2. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce inside each chicken breast. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that herbaceous flavor.

3. Next, layer in the pepperoni slices and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese inside each pocket. It’s all about getting that perfect melt.

4. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing chicken breasts intact during cooking.

5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This air fryer cooking temperature is optimal for chicken.

6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching to allow for even cooking.

7. Cook for about 20 minutes. Check that the cooking chicken in air fryer reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This air fryer cooking time ensures perfectly cooked chicken.

8. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.

9. Consider serving this delightful pesto chicken meal alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or even stuffed into a sandwich for a hearty meal.

10. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor.