Air Fryer Hasselback Chicken

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowl
• Silicone brush or spoon

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Fillings:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
• ½ small onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Mushrooms, thinly sliced

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast crosswise into thin sections, about ½ inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; the base should remain intact so the chicken holds together.
2. Tip: Place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the chicken breast while slicing. This prevents cutting too deeply.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes. Brush or spoon this mixture generously over the chicken, making sure it seeps into the cuts.

Step 3: Add Fillings

1. Gently open the slices and insert your desired fillings. Alternate between cheese, vegetables, or a mix of both. Avoid overstuffing, as this can make cooking uneven.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and better texture.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Place the prepared chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
2. Temperature: 180°C (360°F)
3. Time: 18–22 minutes
4. Cook for 10 minutes, then check and lightly brush with additional oil if needed. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) .

Step 6: Optional Crisp Finish

1. For a slightly crispier top, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the final 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 320–380 kcal · Protein: 35–40 g · Fat: 18–22 g · Carbohydrates: 4–8 g · Fiber: 1–2 g · Sugar: 2–3 g · Sodium: 500–700 mg