Air Fryer Red Pesto, Pepperoni & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Fillets

Juicy chicken fillets are stuffed with flavorful red pesto, pepperoni, and melted cheese. The air fryer gives them a beautifully golden finish. This easy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients. It delivers a crispy exterior and a rich, cheesy center. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying homemade meal.

Chicken is naturally rich in protein. This recipe gives you a delicious way to enjoy a filling, protein-packed dinner. If you’re interested in building balanced meals, read our article about protein, carbohydrates, and the balance of satisfying meals. You’ll learn how these key nutrients can work together as part of a well-rounded diet.

If you enjoy flavorful chicken recipes, try our Chicken Karahi for a bold, aromatic flavor. You can also try our Balsamic Chicken for another easy and delicious dinner option.

Looking for a hearty side? Pair this stuffed chicken with our Vegetable Pulao or Saffron Arborio Rice to complete the meal.

Serve these stuffed chicken fillets with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with your favorite side dish. This makes a simple weekday meal that’s also impressive enough for guests.

Air Fryer Red Pesto & Pepperoni Stuffed Chicken Fillet

Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with garlic, red pesto, turkey pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese, then seasoned and air-fried until golden and perfectly cooked. This easy high-protein dinner is ready in about 17 minutes and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Air-Fry Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course main course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 558 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breasts 2 pieces
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp red pesto
• 2 oz slices turkey pepperoni sliced
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice To taste
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions

 

Butterflying and Marinating the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breast horizontally through the middle, without cutting all the way through. Open it like a book to create a butterfly shape.
• Rub the ginger-garlic paste evenly over each chicken breast.
• Rub the red pesto over the chicken

Stuffing the Chicken

• Layer 5 slices of turkey pepperoni inside each chicken breast.
• Place sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
• Fold the chicken closed, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
• Drizzle lemon juice over both chicken breasts.
• Brush with extra virgin olive oil.
• Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.

Air Frying

• Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 400°F for 17 minutes, or until perfectly golden
• Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing.
Meaningful Masala Tips:
1- Secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed.
2- Chicken breasts vary in thickness, so cooking time may need slight adjustment.
3- Avoid overfilling the chicken to prevent the cheese from leaking out.

Notes

Meaningful Masala Serving Suggestion:

Serve hot with vegetables or your favorite side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 558kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 67gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 1199mgPotassium: 1086mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2190IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 257mgIron: 3mg

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