If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and healthy, you came to the right place! Check out this air fryer pesto chicken recipe.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
The star of this dish is the pesto sauce, which adds a vibrant special flavor to the chicken. You can use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil.
And the best part? Cooking the chicken in the air fryer not only locks in the moisture but also creates a crispy exterior, giving you the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
You can also experiment with different cuts of chicken, add your own favorite seasonings, or even serve the chicken with your preferred side dish or dipping sauce.
So, give this pesto chicken air fryer recipe a try and let me know if you like it!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Healthy: This recipe is a healthy and low-fat option that is packed with protein. Using an air fryer to cook the chicken means that you don’t need to use any oil.
Packed with Flavor: The star of this dish is the pesto sauce, which adds a special flavor to the chicken. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and it complements the chicken perfectly.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Cooking chicken in an air fryer not only locks in the moisture but also creates a crispy exterior, giving you the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
By following the tips provided, you can ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked every time.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Ingredients
For this pesto chicken breast air fryer recipe you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Chicken Breast (boneless)
- 1/4 cup Pesto
- Your Favorite Seasonings
⭐ Pesto Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Make the perfect pesto air fryer chicken with this simple recipe:
Step 1
Cut the chicken breast into 2 pieces. Then, brush the pesto sauce on both sides of the chicken.
Step 2
Place the chicken in the air fyrer basket. Air fry at 400F (200C) for 16-18 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature should be 165F (74C).
Step 3
Remove the air fryer pesto chicken from the basket and serve with your favorite side dish or dipping sauce.
Enjoy this easy and tasty pesto chicken air fryer recipe- it’s so tasty!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this pesto chicken breast air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these dishes as well:
- Air Fryer Jerk Chicken
- Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Pizza
- Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Curds
💡 Tips
1. Use A Meat Thermometer
To make sure your air fryer pesto chicken is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.
If the chicken is not fully cooked, put it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes and check the temperature again.
2. Pesto
f you prefer a more garlicky flavor, add a clove or two of minced garlic to the pesto.
If you like a little bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a small chopped jalapeno pepper.
You can also try using different types of nuts in your pesto, such as walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts, to give it a unique flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of ingredients for the best pesto.
3. Try Different Seasonings
While the pesto sauce adds a lot of flavor to the chicken, you can also experiment with different seasonings to give it an extra kick.
Try adding some paprika or cumin to the chicken before brushing on the pesto.
You could also try mixing the pesto with some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a creamy pesto sauce that will keep the chicken moist and tender.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings.
4. Serve With A Salad
While these air fryer pesto chicken breasts are delicious on their own, they are also great when served with a side salad.
A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will complement the flavors of the chicken and add some freshness to the meal.
You could also try serving the pesto chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Add A Smoky Flavor
One way to add a smoky flavor to your pesto chicken breast is by using smoked paprika or smoked salt.
Smoked paprika is made from smoked and dried pimiento peppers, which adds a deep, smoky flavor to your dishes.
Smoked salt is made by smoking sea salt over a wood fire, which infuses the salt with a smoky flavor.
Both of these ingredients are easily available at most grocery stores and can add a delicious twist to your pesto chicken recipe.
6. Avoid Overcrowding The Air Fryer
When using an air fryer, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the basket. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to cook unevenly and can prevent it from getting crispy.
When air frying the pesto chicken breast, make sure to leave enough space between the pieces to allow air to circulate around them.
You may need to cook the chicken in batches. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each piece of chicken, ensuring that they cook evenly and get crispy. Exactly what you want.
7. Use Different Cuts Of Chicken
You can use different cuts of chicken for this recipe, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut of chicken you use.
Also, keep in mind that dark meat chicken typically takes longer to cook than chicken breast, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
✔️ Variations
Air Fryer Lemon and Herb Pesto Chicken: Add some zing to your pesto chicken by mixing in some lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Chicken: For a cheesy twist on your pesto chicken, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the pesto sauce before brushing it on the chicken.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Skewers: Take your air fryer pesto chicken to the next level by threading the marinated chicken onto skewers before air frying.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Wraps: Transform your pesto chicken into a wrap by slicing it into strips and wrapping it in a tortilla with some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Pesto Chicken Alfredo: Mix your pesto chicken with some fettuccine noodles and a creamy Alfredo sauce. This will create a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Pesto Chicken Salad: Chop your air fryer pesto chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it with some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
Here are some of my favorite side dishes that pair well with the air fryer pesto chicken:
Air Fryer Pumpkin Chips: These crispy pumpkin chips make for the perfect side dish to pair with the pesto chicken.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potato wedges are a great option for a side dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a perfect complement to the air fryer pesto chicken. Try grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant, and serve them as a colorful and flavorful side dish.
Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad is a great side dish to pair with the pesto chicken.
Cook some quinoa according to the package instructions, and toss it with some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Add some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavor and freshness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts make a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the pesto chicken.
👪 FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as they take longer to cook than chicken breast.
Can I use a different type of meat seasoning instead of pesto?
Yes, you can use any type of meat seasoning that you like, for example, BBQ or Cajun seasoning.
I hope you liked my pesto chicken air fryer recipe. This dish is so healthy, tasty, and easy to make. I am sure that once you try it, you will be hooked.
My favorite thing about this recipe is that the chicken stays juicy and tender, while still getting a nice crisp outside. The pesto is also flavorful and provides an extra kick of flavor to the dish.
If you have any questions- feel free to comment below. Also, make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (boneless) (450g)
- 1/4 cup Pesto
- Your Favorite Seasonings
- Cut the chicken breast into 2 pieces. Then, brush the pesto sauce on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken in the air fyrer basket. Air fry at 400F (200C) for 16-18 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The internel temperature should be 165F (74C).
- Remove the air fryer pesto chicken from the basket and serve with your favorite side dish or dipping sauce.
