Directions

1. There is really very little prep to be done here. I have used 1 lb. or about 500 gm. boneless skinless chicken breasts. Wipe and dry them. I lightly pounded the breasts or butterfly them so that they are of even thickness.
2. This helps in even cooking. Now take ½ cup pesto. I have used this almond pesto that I made fresh. Any store bought pesto works well too.
3. Preheat air fryer at 180C or 360F for 5 minutes. Using your hands spread pesto on both sides of the chicken breasts. There is no need for added salt or fat, as your pesto will already be well seasoned with good fats.
4. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 8 minutes at 180C or 360F till the breast is half cooked. Flip the breasts for even cooking and cook further.
5. I needed to cook for 6 more minutes at 180C or 360F. Depending upon the weight and thickness of chicken breasts you may require more or less time. Most of the times, 8 minutes more is sufficient.
6. I advise the use of a meat thermometer to check internal temperature of chicken at its thickest part. The temperature must be above 165F to be fully cooked. We don’t want to overcook the breast or it gets horribly chewy.
7. Take out the cooked pesto chicken breast and wait for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with some more pesto or another dip of choice. Pesto chicken is really delicious and moist. It is the taste of pesto that shines through.
9. You can serve this pesto chicken with pasta, in a salad or with some salad and fried rice. The leftovers make for delicious sandwich the next day.