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Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Kiev is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and filled with a delicious garlic herb butter that melts with every bite. It’s an easy, no-mess version of the classic dish, perfect for a cozy dinner that feels fancy but is totally doable on a weeknight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh dill or ½ tsp dried
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan optional

Instructions
 

Make the Garlic Butter

  • Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Shape into a small log using plastic wrap and freeze for at least 20 minutes.

Prep the Chicken

  • Butterfly each chicken breast (slice it open like a book but don’t cut through).
  • Place the frozen butter log inside, then fold the chicken back over. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Bread the Chicken

  • Set up three bowls:
  • Bowl 1: Flour
  • Bowl 2: Beaten egg
  • Bowl 3: Panko, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan
  • Coat chicken in flour, then egg, then press into the panko mixture.

Air Fry the Chicken

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray and place seam side down in the air fryer.
  • Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Let It Rest & Serve

  • Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing (so the butter doesn’t spill out too soon!).
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Freeze the butter log before stuffing the chicken—it prevents leaks!
  • Don’t skip the resting time—this keeps the buttery center intact.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.