👩‍🍳 The Best Air Fryer Cookbook - 800+ Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes Inside!

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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken

The air fryer pesto chicken recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Just coat your chicken in pesto, then air fry at 375°F for about 18 minutes. It’s a quick, delicious way to enjoy a meal. Honestly, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a mouthwatering meal.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Preparing Chicken for Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Recipe

2. Generously coat the chicken with Basil pesto sauce. Ensure every part is covered to maximize flavor.

Marinating Chicken in Pesto for Air Fryer Cooking

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.

Setting Up Air Fryer for Pesto Chicken Recipe

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.

Cooking Pesto Chicken in Air Fryer and Halfway check

8. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making your chicken even more flavorful.

Resting Air Fried Pesto Chicken, Ready to Serve

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.

  • Author: Suborna Tanchangya
  • 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