*This page may contain affiliate links

This air fryer Hunter’s chicken is stuffed with mozzarella, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce. Juicy, cheesy, and so easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavourful chicken dish, this air fryer Hunter’s chicken is just what you need. It combines juicy chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, crispy bacon, and a smoky barbecue glaze.

Thanks to the air fryer, it’s quick, easy, and comes out perfectly cooked every time. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or cooking for guests, this recipe is always a hit!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Hunter’s chicken is a classic pub favorite, but this air fryer version takes it to the next level. By cooking it in the air fryer, the chicken stays moist while the bacon turns beautifully crisp.

Plus, it’s featured in my latest book, Fitwaffle’s Easy Air Fryer, available now on Amazon. It’s packed with simple, delicious air fryer recipes that will make cooking easier than ever!

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Air fryer – For perfectly cooked chicken with crispy bacon. I used a Tower 11L Air Fryer, it’s my favourite Air Fryer.
Sharp knife – To slice the chicken and create a pocket.
Optional: Meat thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for This Recipe

Quick Cooking: The air fryer cooks the chicken faster than an oven while keeping it juicy.
Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Energy-Efficient: Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens, making them a more sustainable option.
Easy Cleanup: With no big baking trays or pans, cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

2 medium chicken breasts (about 150 g/5.25 oz each)
Olive oil spray
2 tsp barbecue seasoning (or mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp salt)
A small handful grated mozzarella (you could also use a few slices of fresh mozzarella)
4 rashers streaky bacon
2 tbsp barbecue sauce

How to Make Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180˚C (350˚F) while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast three-quarters of the way through to create a pocket. Spray the chicken with olive oil and coat it in the barbecue seasoning (or the smoked paprika mix).

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Stuff each pocket with grated mozzarella, then press the chicken together to seal. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 rashers of streaky bacon to hold the filling in place.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the stuffed and wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 75˚C (167˚F) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Add the Barbecue Glaze

Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, then return it to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step gives the chicken its signature smoky, sticky glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Hunter’s chicken from the air fryer and serve it with your favorite sides. Corn on the cob and fries are always a great choice!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

This air fryer Hunter’s chicken is versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

Its rich flavours and satisfying textures make it a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customise.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
Choose Streaky Bacon: It crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, adding texture and flavour.
Don’t Overstuff: Use just enough mozzarella to fill the chicken without it spilling out during cooking.
Serve Immediately: Hunter’s chicken is best enjoyed hot, straight from the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Hunter’s chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side to complement the rich flavours of the chicken.
Roasted Veggies: A lighter option to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce.
Chips (fries) and salad: Classic and delicious

Watch My Step-by-Step Video

Want to see exactly how it’s done? Watch my full tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel.

For more quick and delicious air fryer recipes, follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This air fryer Hunter’s chicken is packed with flavour and so easy to make. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese is irresistible, while the barbecue glaze ties everything together perfectly.

It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Other Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, check out these other air fryer favorites from Fitwaffle Kitchen:

Air Fryer Chicken Parm: Crispy, cheesy, and topped with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins: A delicious side or snack that’s perfect for sharing.

Both recipes are simple, flavourful, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!

Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

This air fryer Hunter’s chicken is stuffed with mozzarella, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Air Fryer, bacon, Cheese, Chicken

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 23

Total Time: 33

Servings:

Ingredients

2 medium chicken breasts about 150 g/5.25 oz each
Olive oil spray
2 tsp barbecue seasoning or mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp salt
A small handful grated mozzarella you could also use a few slices of fresh mozzarella
4 rashers streaky bacon
2 tbsp barbecue sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180˚C (350˚F) while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast three-quarters of the way through to create a pocket. Spray the chicken with olive oil and coat it in the barbecue seasoning (or the smoked paprika mix).

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Stuff each pocket with grated mozzarella, then press the chicken together to seal. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 rashers of streaky bacon to hold the filling in place.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the stuffed and wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 75˚C (167˚F) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Add the Barbecue Glaze

Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, then return it to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step gives the chicken its signature smoky, sticky glaze.