Air Fryer Hasselback Garlic Herb Cheesy Chicken

This Hasselback-style chicken is a show-stopper—juicy chicken breasts sliced into thin sections and stuffed with garlicky herbs and melty cheese. Cooked in the air fryer, it turns golden on the outside while staying tender and flavorful inside. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make—perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Total Time: ~30–35 minutes

Servings: 2–3

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or thyme/rosemary)

For stuffing

1 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar)

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken (Hasselback style)

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.

Make several evenly spaced cuts across the top (don’t slice all the way through).

Season

Rub with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs.

Stuff the chicken

Fill each slit with cheese, minced garlic, and parsley.

Preheat air fryer

Set to 375°F (190°C).

Cook

Place chicken in a single layer.

Air fry for 15–18 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Rest & serve

Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving

Serving Ideas

Serve with roasted veggies or air fryer potatoes

Pair with rice, pasta, or salad

Add a squeeze of lemon for freshness

Tips for Perfect Hasselback Chicken

Don’t cut fully through—keep the base intact

Use toothpicks if cheese falls out while cooking

Avoid overcrowding for even cooking

Check internal doneness (juices run clear or ~75°C internal temp)

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Hasselback Garlic Herb Cheesy Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and visually stunning. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet style—easy enough for weekdays, impressive enough for guests!