Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cuisine: American/Continental fusion
Equipment: Air fryer, meat mallet, toothpicks or kitchen twine, mixing bowls, parchment paper (optional)
Introduction
Stuffed chicken rolls are a versatile, elegant, and protein-rich dish that effortlessly combines comfort food with restaurant-quality presentation. When made in the air fryer, you get a beautifully crisp exterior with juicy, flavorful interiors—without the excess oil or mess of traditional frying. These chicken rolls are not just packed with flavor but can be adapted to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand—veggies, cheeses, herbs, or even cold cuts like ham or turkey. This version uses a creamy cheese-spinach filling wrapped in thin chicken breast fillets and air fried to perfection.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Rolls:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium size)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
-
1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
-
½ cup cream cheese (room temperature)
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Coating (Optional, for extra crunch):
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
-
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Optional Dipping Sauce (Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip)
-
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
-
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them into an even thickness—about ¼-inch thick. This helps with even cooking and easy rolling.
-
Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of each breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
-
Mix the filling ingredients in a medium bowl: chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be creamy but not runny.
-
Taste-test your filling and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want extra flavor, a pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest can brighten the taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls
-
Lay each chicken breast flat and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the spinach and cheese filling across the middle. Leave a slight border around the edges to prevent overflow.
-
Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides slightly as you go to seal the filling. Use toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to hold the rolls in place.
-
(Optional) Bread the rolls: Dip each roll in beaten egg, then dredge in a breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for a crispy coating.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Rolls
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
-
Place the chicken rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary. Optionally, you can line the basket with parchment paper with holes poked in it to make clean-up easier.
-
Air fry for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken rolls and your air fryer model. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
-
Remove from the air fryer and let the rolls rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and makes them easier to cut.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
-
While the rolls cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, herbs, and salt in a bowl. Adjust flavors to your taste and chill until serving.
Serving Suggestions
-
Slice the rolls into medallions and serve on a platter with toothpicks for party appetizers.
-
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner.
-
For a low-carb meal, pair with sautéed greens or cauliflower rice.
Storage and Reheating
-
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes or in the microwave (though the coating may not stay crispy).
Customization Tips
-
Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, or feta depending on your flavor preferences.
-
Add Meat: Add a slice of ham, prosciutto, or cooked bacon inside the roll for extra savory richness (turning it into a “cordon bleu”-style roll).
-
Spice it up: Add a bit of sriracha or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy twist.
-
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based “chicken” fillets or tofu slices, and follow the same stuffing method.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
High in protein and low in oil: Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crispy finish without deep frying.
-
Visually impressive: Sliced chicken rolls reveal beautiful spirals of cheesy filling—a showstopper on any plate.
-
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze before cooking.
-
Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Creamy filling and crispy outside makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Rolls are one of those magical meals that look and taste gourmet, but are surprisingly easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a special occasion, or just want to try something fun in your air fryer, this recipe checks all the boxes—healthy, delicious, customizable, and satisfying. Plus, you don’t need to stand over a hot stove or mess with greasy pans. Once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your air fryer repertoire.
Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
