Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs, based on your preference
- 1/2 cup Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for the air fryer basket)
To customize your dish, consider adding:
- Mozzarella slices
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
2. Generously coat the chicken with Basil pesto sauce. Ensure every part is covered to maximize flavor.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have time, letting it sit overnight deepens the flavors even more.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This step is crucial for ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
5. Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking.
7. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the chicken. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect doneness.
8. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making your chicken even more flavorful.
Notes
Always ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any food safety issues. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken and the type of air fryer used, so keeping an eye on the air fryer cooking times and adjusting accordingly is wise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: air fryer pesto chicken