Air Fryer Chicken Caprese With Mozzarella

This air fryer chicken Caprese is one of my favorite quick dinners when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without a lot of effort. Juicy air-fried chicken gets topped with melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a sweet-tangy balsamic drizzle that pulls everything together. It looks elegant, tastes restaurant-quality, and comes together fast—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

If you enjoy light but flavor-packed meals like this, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. Now for the chicken Caprese I promised!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Video Instructions
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Chicken Caprese With Mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, never-dry chicken: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it tender and moist.
• Classic Caprese flavors: Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic—simple ingredients that always work.
• Fast and easy: From start to finish, this air fryer chicken Caprese dish is ready in about 25 minutes.
• Looks impressive, minimal effort: It comes together beautifully without requiring complicated steps.
• Perfect for weeknights or guests: Light enough for everyday meals but elegant enough to serve company.

Video Instructions

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken breast: I slice the chicken into cutlets so it cooks evenly and stays juicy. You can use chicken thighs too if you prefer this, but be sure to add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out. You can replace olive oil with avocado oil if you like.
  Garlic powder & Italian seasoning: Adds classic Italian flavor without overpowering the dish. I sometimes like to swap this for dried oregano and basil for a different flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully and gives that creamy Caprese finish, but Buffalo mozzarella or provolone also works just as well.
• Tomatoes: I prefer Roma or vine tomatoes because they’re less watery. You can use Cherry tomatoes, halved.
• Balsamic vinegar + honey: This creates a quick homemade drizzle with the perfect sweet-tangy balance. You can use a bottled balsamic glaze for the same effect.
• Fresh basil: Adds freshness and aroma right at the end. I use Arugula or parsley if basil isn’t available.

Instructions

Step 1 – Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken cutlets dry, then add them to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 2 – Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken in a single layer—work in batches if needed. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.

Step 3 – Add the Caprese Topping

Top each piece of chicken with tomato slices and fresh mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Step 4 – Make the Balsamic Drizzle

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil until smooth.

Step 5 – Serve

Drizzle the balsamic over the chicken and finish with fresh basil. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat the chicken dry: This helps the seasoning stick and gives better browning in the air fryer.
• Don’t add cheese too early: I always wait until the end—otherwise the mozzarella can overcook or burn.
• Season the tomatoes lightly: A tiny pinch of salt on the tomatoes before topping makes a big difference.
• Cut chicken evenly: Uniform cutlets cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
• Add pesto if you want more flavor: A thin spread of pesto under the mozzarella is incredible.