This Air Fryer Pesto Chicken recipe is a quick, healthy, and mouthwatering meal. It’s delicious and easy to make. The combination of juicy chicken breasts and flavorful pesto sauce creates a succulent meal that your whole family will love.
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I adore chicken in any shape or form. Cooking chicken in an air fryer makes it taste next-level delicious. Whether it’s Crispy Air Fried Chicken Wings, Pickle Juice Drumsticks, or Crunchy Chicken Nuggets, the magic happens when chicken meets the air fryer. The outside gets that perfect golden-brown crunch while the inside stays moist and flavorful. So, whether you’re cooking up a family dinner or hosting a party, you can’t go wrong with chicken in the air fryer. If you’re looking for a way to add a little pizzazz to your poultry, try out my favorite pesto chicken recipe. With just a sprinkling of salt, pepper and pesto, you can transform bland chicken into a flavorful feast.
Pesto Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer Recipe
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, store-bought or homemade pesto sauce (please refer to the recipe card below), salt, pepper, and olive oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Next, brush each breast with olive oil to help the pesto stick and add flavor. Then generously spread pesto sauce over each piece of chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Ensure the chicken is well-covered for maximum flavor.
Once your chicken is coated in pesto sauce, cover it and let it marinate in the refrigerator to absorb the pesto flavors for at least 30 minutes. Best if overnight.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the Pesto chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Tip: you can use the same recipe with Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings if you prefer. However, keep in mind that different cuts of chicken require different cooking times. In order to get that perfect tender, fall-off-the-bone texture, chicken thighs and drumsticks may need a bit longer in the air fryer than chicken breast.
While the chicken is cooking, take this opportunity to prepare any side dishes you’d like to serve with your air fryer pesto chicken. A simple salad or roasted vegetables are great options that pair well with this dish.
If you’re you’re lucky owner of a dual-basket air fryer, you’re in for a treat. With the ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, the possibilities are endless. Cook a delicious pesto chicken in one basket and a veggie side in the other. Or whip up some crispy potatoes while your main dish cooks to perfection.
Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
The result? Tender and juicy chicken with a crispy exterior and flavorful pesto coating. The air fryer does an excellent job of creating that perfect texture without all the hassle of deep-frying. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pesto Chicken
- Use Fresh Pesto: The fresher the ingredients, the better the pesto. Fresh basil leaves and quality Parmesan will make a significant difference.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the pesto sauce for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Parchment paper: Yes, you can use it in an air fryer! Not only does it make flipping your chicken a breeze, but it also makes cleaning up a cinch, so you can get back to enjoying your meal in no time. However, be sure to take caution and keep in mind that you should never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper in it.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection without being dry.
- Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts for your pesto, such as walnuts or almonds, and add other herbs like parsley or cilantro. Skip the nuts for a nut-free pesto sauce.
Leftovers
Store Pesto Chicken in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is so easy to reheat, and the flavors of the pesto get infused into the chicken overnight, making it even more flavorful than before. You could simply serve the chicken on a bed of greens or use it to top a bowl of pasta for a more filling option.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Enjoy these mouth-watering air fryer chicken recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile and perfect for any occasion.
- Crispy Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Butter
- Boneless Chicken Breast with Tomato Slices and Mozzarella
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Air Fryer BBQ Drumsticks
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts I used boneless boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pinenuts
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- First, let's make our fresh pesto sauce. If you prefer convenience, store-bought pesto works just as well.Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped.Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.Coat with Pesto: Generously coat each chicken breast with your fresh pesto sauce. Ensure the chicken is well-covered for maximum flavor. Once your chicken is coated in pesto sauce, cover it and let it marinate in the refrigerator to absorb the pesto flavors for at least 30 minutes. Best if overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (198°C).Arrange the Chicken: Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.Cook: Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.Pro Tip: For added flavor, toss in some cherry tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step helps retain its juices, making it more tender.Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle some fresh mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.Side Dishes: Serve your pesto chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some potato wedges for a complete meal.Lemon Wedges: Don’t forget the lemon wedges! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the entire dish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Pesto: The fresher the ingredients, the better the pesto. Fresh basil leaves and quality Parmesan will make a significant difference.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the pesto sauce for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Parchment paper: Yes, you can use it in an air fryer! Not only does it make flipping your chicken a breeze, but it also makes cleaning up a cinch, so you can get back to enjoying your meal in no time. However, be sure to take caution and keep in mind that you should never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper in it.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection without being dry.
- Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts for your pesto, such as walnuts or almonds, and add other herbs like parsley or cilantro. Skip the nuts for a nut-free pesto sauce.
Made this last night, Yumm! I have a small AF so only cooked one very large breast. Marinated for 2 hrs. Checked internal temp after 15 mins, then cooked 2 more mins. It was moist and delicious.
That sounds amazing! 😍 So glad it turned out moist and delicious — sounds like you nailed the timing perfectly! Thanks for sharing your tweaks, especially for the smaller air fryer. Love hearing what works in real kitchens like yours! 💚