Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels much more indulgent than it actually is. By combining juicy chicken breast with melty mozzarella and herby pesto, you can create a high-protein meal in less than 30 minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love these Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps because they offer a sophisticated flavor profile with minimal effort. The combination of fragrant pesto and gooey cheese makes every bite satisfying, while the air fryer ensures the chicken stays tender without the need for heavy oil. It is a versatile recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a healthy meal prep option. Plus, using basic pantry staples like dried thyme and paprika means you likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• 2 slices fresh mozzarella (from a mozzarella ball)
• 2 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Large flour or corn tortillas (for wrapping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. While it heats, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, sweet paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil and spices evenly over the meat.
3. Create a Pocket: Place the chicken on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as you want the stuffing to stay contained.
4. Stuff the Chicken: Insert a slice of fresh mozzarella into each pocket. Spoon a tablespoon of pesto over the cheese, and add a tablespoon of cream cheese if you are using it. If the pocket feels loose, you can secure it with wooden toothpicks that have been soaked in water.
5. Air Fry: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 18 to 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
6. Assemble the Wraps: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into strips and place them inside a warm tortilla. Add extra greens or sauce if desired, and roll tightly to serve.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To get the best results with your Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps, always use a meat thermometer. Chicken breast can dry out quickly if overcooked, so pulling it out exactly at 165°F is key. If you are worried about the cheese leaking out, make sure your horizontal cut stops about half an inch from the edges of the breast. Another great tip is to soak your wooden toothpicks in cold water for at least 15 minutes before air frying; this prevents them from scorching or catching fire in the high-heat environment of the air fryer.

Variations & Substitutions

If you do not have fresh mozzarella, you can easily substitute it with shredded mozzarella or even provolone for a similar melt. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, swap the sweet paprika for smoked or hot paprika. If you are following a low-histamine diet, consider using a pumpkin seed pesto or a macadamia-based pesto instead of traditional basil pesto. You can also add a half-teaspoon of minced garlic inside the pocket for an extra punch of flavor if you are a garlic lover.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light summer meal, serve them alongside a fresh cucumber and pomegranate salad or a simple apple and fennel slaw. If you want something more substantial, air-fried baby corn, roasted root vegetables, or a side of quinoa works perfectly. You can also serve the sliced chicken over a bed of pasta or rice if you prefer to skip the tortilla wrap entirely.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, the texture of the mozzarella may change slightly upon thawing. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the juicy interior and prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery, which often happens in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on the chicken filling and do not include the tortilla wrap.

Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels much more indulgent than it actually is. By combining juicy chicken breast with melty mozzarella and herby pesto, you can create a high-protein meal in less than 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Modern

Calories: 388

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 slices fresh mozzarella from a mozzarella ball
• 2 tablespoons pesto homemade or store-bought
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese optional for extra creaminess
• Large flour or corn tortillas for wrapping

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Toothpicks

Method

 

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. While it heats, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
   2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, sweet paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil and spices evenly over the meat.
   2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch black pepper
3. Create a Pocket: Place the chicken on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as you want the stuffing to stay contained.
   2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
4. Stuff the Chicken: Insert a slice of fresh mozzarella into each pocket. Spoon a tablespoon of pesto over the cheese, and add a tablespoon of cream cheese if you are using it. If the pocket feels loose, you can secure it with wooden toothpicks that have been soaked in water.
   2 slices fresh mozzarella, 2 tablespoons pesto, 2 tablespoons cream cheese
5. Air Fry: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 18 to 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
6. Assemble the Wraps: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into strips and place them inside a warm tortilla. Add extra greens or sauce if desired, and roll tightly to serve.
   Large flour or corn tortillas

Notes

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 15 minutes before air frying to prevent them from burning.

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