I’d probably eat a copious amount of the appetizer style bruschetta and call it a meal if I didn’t think I’d get strange looks. To satisfy the craving for that savory Italian combination in a meal, now I make this air fryer bruschetta chicken instead. It’s easy, filling, and delicious!
Bruschettais an Italian appetizer typically consisting of toasted bread with garlic, olive oil, and salt. Most commonly, it is topped with chopped fresh tomatoes, though other additions such as meats, cheeses, fruits, and beans are prevalent as well.
Of course, there are lots of other creative variations which translate the flavors of this dish into other forms. Bruschetta chicken is just one such example, where the bread is replaced by a thin sliced chicken cutlet instead of the toasted bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A perfectly seasoned, thin sliced chicken cutlet is the ideal base for a bruschetta inspired main dish. Your air fryer does the ultimate job of cooking it perfectly, so it comes out juicy and delicious.
An aromatic topping of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a touch of balsamic make this dish a creative twist on the Italian classic.
Of course, you can customize it just to your liking. Add mozzarella cheese for a caprese style bruschetta chicken, or some olives for Mediterranean inspiration!
I enjoy this recipe most with a side of pasta, garlic bread, and a nice glass of wine, but enjoy it any way you like!
If you’re looking for the appetizer version of this classic dish, make sure to check out my recipe for Air Fryer Bruschetta With Mozzarella!
Ingredients List
1 pound chicken breast cutlets (about ½” thick)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Bruschetta Topping
4 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 Tbsp minced red onion
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
8 fresh basil leaves, julienned
Balsamic glaze (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can buy thin sliced chicken cutlets or cut your own from a full chicken breast. Alternatively, you may swap in other cuts like thighs, but the cooking time will vary
The honeymay be substituted by brown sugar if preferred
Use 4 slices of fresh mozzarella or about ½ cup shredded and add in the last few minutes of cooking for a caprese style variation
Flavorful Variations For Bruschetta Chicken
Add diced avocado, peaches, strawberries, or olives to your tomato mixture for a unique twist
Top your bruschetta with fresh mozzarella pearls, or goat cheese or feta crumbles to add a creamy, salty finish
Wrap your chicken in prosciutto or coat with a layer of basil or tomato pesto before cooking to add another layer of flavor!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Bruschetta Chicken
In a covered bowl or zippered bag, combine the chicken, 1 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic, honey, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes but up to overnight
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Place the marinated chicken cutlets into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 6-8 minutes at 375°F, pausing halfway through to flip, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
While the chicken is cooking, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper in a small bowl, stirring to combine
Remove chicken from the air fryer, and spoon bruschetta mixture evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired
What to Serve With Bruschetta Chicken
Spaghetti
Couscous
Macaroni and cheese
Rice pilaf
Mashed potatoes
Cauliflower rice
Grilled vegetables
Green salad
Caprese salad
Garlic bread
Baguette
Chianti
Zinfandel
Orange paloma cocktail
Aperol spritz
Watermelon cocktails
There are so many great things to serve with bruschetta chicken, including sides as well as wine and cocktail pairings.
Can I Make Bruschetta With Other Toppings Besides Tomatoes?
Yes, you can make bruschetta with other toppings besides tomatoes. Other common alternatives are peaches, strawberries, or watermelon.
In addition, feta, mozzarella, prosciutto, avocado, and olives are common additions.
Can I Reheat Bruschetta Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat bruschetta chicken in the air fryer. Cook on the air fry setting for about 4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through.
You don’t need to remove the toppings in advance, either.
What is Chicken Bruschetta Made Of?
Chicken bruschetta is made of a base of chicken breast marinated in oil, vinegar, herbs, and seasonings. It is topped with a bruschetta blend of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs such as basil.
There are many additions or substitutions that work well, so you can customize your topping to suit your tastes.
How Many Minutes Do You Put Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?
You put chicken in an air fryer for approximately 6 minutes for thin-sliced cutlets, or 10 minutes for a full sized breast. The time can vary slightly based on your specific air fryer, as well as the exact thickness of your chicken.
Make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety before consuming.
Recipe Pro Tips
You can marinate the chicken and make the bruschetta up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. This way, dinner is ready in under 10 minutes!
I love serving with garlic bread or a sliced baguette to soak up the extra bruschetta topping, in a nod to the traditional appetizer preparation!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bruschetta chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat bruschetta chicken, place in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Exact time will vary based on the thickness of the specific piece. You do not need to remove the toppings to reheat it
This air fryer bruschetta is a quick and flavorful dinner option. In fact, you can complete much of the prep work in advance, and get dinner done in under 10 minutes!
The fresh, vibrant toppings are one of my favorite uses for fresh tomatoes in the summer. Of course, you can explore different bruschetta variations by adding in other fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
It’s one of my favorite dishes to incorporate into an Italian-inspired spread as a low carb offering that’s also gluten-free. However, I think it’s still best paired with some garlic bread or baguettes to soak up all the delicious bruschetta toppings!
This air fryer bruschetta chicken is a quick, flavorful, and low carb dinner option. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with juicy tomatoes and Italian flavors.
1 Poundchicken breast cutlets(approximately ½" thick)
1Tbspolive oil
2Tbspbalsamic vinegar
1Tbsphoney
½Tspsalt
½Tsp black pepper
½TspItalian seasoning
For the Bruschetta Topping
4Roma tomatoes(seeded and diced)
2Tbspred onion(minced)
2Tspgarlic(minced)
1Tbspolive oil
½Tspsalt
¼Tsp black pepper
8Fresh basil leaves(julienned)
Balsamic glaze(optional)
Instructions
In a covered bowl or zippered bag, combine the chicken, 1 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic, honey, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes but up to overnight
1 Pound chicken breast cutlets, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp honey, ½ Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper, ½ Tsp Italian seasoning
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Place the marinated chicken cutlets into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 6-8 minutes at 375°F, pausing halfway through to flip, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
While the chicken is cooking, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper in a small bowl, stirring to combine
4 Roma tomatoes, 2 Tbsp red onion, 2 Tsp garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ Tsp salt, ¼ Tsp black pepper
Remove chicken from the air fryer, and spoon bruschetta mixture evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired
8 Fresh basil leaves, Balsamic glaze
Notes
You can buy thin sliced chicken cutlets or cut your own from a full chicken breast. Alternatively, you may swap in other cuts like tenderloins, full breasts, or thighs, but the cooking times will vary
The honeymay be substituted by brown sugar if preferred
Use 4 slices of fresh mozzarella or about ½ cup shredded and add in the last few minutes of cooking for a caprese style variation
You can marinate the chicken and make the bruschetta up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. This way, dinner is ready in under 10 minutes!
I love serving with garlic bread or a sliced baguette to soak up the extra bruschetta topping, in a nod to the traditional appetizer preparation!
Store leftover bruschetta chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat bruschetta chicken, place in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Exact time will vary based on the thickness of the specific piece. You do not need to remove the toppings to reheat it
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer bruschetta chicken, air fryer chicken breast recipe, bruschetta chicken, creative twists on bruschetta, fresh and vibrant tomato recipes, italian inspired air fryer recipes, low carb bruschetta chicken, quick and easy air fryer recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
