Golden-crisp on the outside, bursting with garlicky, herb-infused butter on the inside—Chicken Kiev is one of those dishes that feels like a restaurant indulgence but is surprisingly easy to make at home. The best part? The air fryer makes it even better! No deep frying, no mess, just pure crispy perfection with a fraction of the oil.
This recipe brings all the classic flavors—juicy chicken, crunchy panko coating, and that irresistible melted butter filling—without the guilt of deep frying. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, ideal for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Pair it with fluffy, buttery Texas Roadhouse Rolls or the hearty, cheesy goodness of Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole for a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Air frying also locks in moisture while keeping the coating crisp, meaning you get that satisfying crunch with every bite—minus the oil splatter and extra calories.
According to research, air fryers can reduce fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional deep frying. That’s a win for both flavor and health! One bite into this crispy, buttery delight, and you’ll understand why Chicken Kiev has been a classic for generations. Now, let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- Crispy Outside, Buttery Inside – The contrast between the crunchy coating and the rich, garlicky butter is pure perfection.
- No Deep Frying Needed – All the indulgence of classic Chicken Kiev without the greasy mess.
- Surprisingly Easy – The air fryer does most of the work, so you get gourmet results with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy date night, this dish always impresses.
- Healthier Twist – Less oil means fewer calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
Chicken Kiev Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin (for pounding chicken)
- Sharp knife
- Shallow dishes (for dredging)
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 8 ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, and salt. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Pound chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Place a small piece of butter mixture in the center of each chicken breast and roll tightly, sealing the edges.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko and paprika.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer, seam-side down, and cook for 16-18 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the butter to set inside.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 783kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Protein | 64g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 1826mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations For This Recipe!
- Herb-Infused Butter Twist – Swap parsley for a mix of fresh tarragon, chives, and dill for a more aromatic and elevated flavor. A touch of lemon zest in the butter also adds a refreshing zing.
- Spicy Kick – Mix cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs for a subtle heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for an extra punch.
- Cheese-Stuffed Kiev – Take it up a notch by adding a small cube of Gruyère, feta, or blue cheese inside the butter filling. It melts beautifully and adds a bold, savory depth.
- Panko & Parmesan Crust – For an even crispier and more flavorful crust, mix finely grated Parmesan into the panko breadcrumbs. It enhances the crunch and adds a nutty, umami touch.
- Truffle Indulgence – Feeling fancy? Replace regular butter with truffle butter, or add a drop of truffle oil to the filling for a rich, gourmet twist.
- Crispy Gluten-Free Option – Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko for a crunchy, keto-friendly alternative without sacrificing texture.
- Mini Chicken Kiev Bites – Instead of large chicken breasts, use small chicken tenders and make bite-sized versions—perfect for appetizers or party platters!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
