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2 Ingredient Air Fryer Pesto Chicken

PREP 3 minutes
COOK 17 minutes
TOTAL 20 minutes
Yield 4 servings
Created by: Charlene Carey
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
This easy air fryer recipe combines chicken breasts with flavorful pesto for a quick, delicious meal!
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Course: Main Dish

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. chicken breasts, boneless skinless (450g)
  • ½ cup pesto (120ml) homemade or store-bought

Instructions

  • Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. This helps the pesto stick better and keeps the chicken from becoming slippery. Make sure they are really dry to avoid any pesto sliding off during cooking.
  • Spoon the pesto over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You want your chicken to look green and zesty—that is a good sign! It is crucial to coat every inch to get that full flavor and avoid any bare spots.
  • Place the pesto-coated chicken in your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook. Keep an eye on the timer, as thickness can change cooking times, so you might need to check for doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken, looking for an internal temperature that is safe. This ensures you avoid dry, overcooked chicken. It is super important to get this right, so do not skip the thermometer!
  • After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. You will notice it looks much more succulent, and that resting time makes a difference. Slice it up and enjoy—your family will love this tasty dish!

Notes

Store cooked pesto chicken for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
If chicken tends to be dry, checking the internal temperature at 165 degrees F helps guarantee juiciness.
When pesto slides off more than sticks, drying the chicken with a paper towel first will help it adhere better.
If you face uneven cook times, pounding chicken to about 3/4 inch thick creates uniformity for even cooking throughout.
If chicken remains undercooked after the recommended time, adding an extra 2-3 minutes at a time can ensure it is fully cooked.