Air Fryer Pepperoni & Pesto Chicken Melt is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, savory pesto sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and flavorful pepperoni. The air fryer ensures that the chicken comes out perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. With just a few ingredients, this meal is perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Spread pesto sauce generously on each chicken breast.
- Top the pesto-covered chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni.
- Place the prepared chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray for a crisp finish.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap: You can swap mozzarella for other melting cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Add Veggies: For extra freshness, top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers before air frying.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni to enhance the heat in the dish.
- Pesto Alternatives: Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or basil garlic pesto for a different twist on the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to re-crisp the exterior and warm it through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, though the crust will not be as crispy.
10 FAQs
- Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as it may take slightly longer to cook through.
- Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute, and they may even turn out juicier than breasts.
- Can I use a different type of pesto? Yes, you can experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, red pepper pesto, or arugula pesto.
- Can I use store-bought pesto? Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a quick and convenient option if you’re short on time.
- What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta for a complete meal.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge before air frying. When ready to cook, just add the cheese and pepperoni, then air fry as directed.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake this dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the cheese is melted.
- Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken? Yes, this recipe works well with turkey breasts or even pork cutlets. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Can I add more toppings to this dish? Yes, you can customize it by adding extra toppings like olives, fresh basil, or arugula for a burst of freshness.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pepperoni & Pesto Chicken Melt is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious treat. The combination of pesto, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni creates a mouthwatering meal that’s both savory and satisfying. With minimal prep time and the help of an air fryer, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes!
PrintAir Fryer Pepperoni & Pesto Chicken Melt
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This easy and flavorful chicken melt features juicy chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy pepperoni. Made in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Spread pesto sauce on each chicken breast.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, try using a spicy pesto sauce or a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes