Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken Recipe

Last updated on: November 27, 2025

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If you’re craving proper pub-style comfort without the heavy calories or the lengthy wait, this Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken is about to become your new midweek favourite.

Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, topped with a tangy BBQ glaze and a crown of melted mozzarella — and the best bit? It cooks in just 20 minutes in the air fryer. No faff, no flipping pans, no “is it done yet?” panic.

Each portion delivers around 60g of protein (yes, really), making it perfect for anyone trying to stay full for longer, support fat loss, or simply tick off their daily protein target without living on shakes.

At roughly 380 kcal per serving, it’s a proper feel-good fakeaway that still fits into a healthy routine, whether you’re juggling busy family meals or navigating menopause hunger waves.

The main protein source here is lean chicken breast, boosted by the bacon and cheese, and all you need equipment-wise is an air fryer and a small brush for the sauce.

Simple ingredients, huge flavour, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — exactly what a weeknight winner should be.

Why you’ll love this high-protein recipe

• Packs around 60g of protein per serving to keep you full for hours.

• A 20-minute high-protein fakeaway your local pub could only dream of.

• Uses simple UK ingredients you’ve already got in the fridge — no chef wizardry required.

• Bacon + cheese + BBQ sauce = maximum flavour for minimal calories.

• Perfect for busy nights, batch-cooking, and anyone who wants big flavour without big effort.

Air Fryer Hunter's Chicken Recipe - Key Ingredients

Chicken breasts. The star of the show. Lean, mean, and ready to be transformed into something gloriously cheesy.

Smoked paprika. A sprinkle of this stuff and suddenly your chicken thinks it's just returned from a weekend BBQ.

Bacon or turkey bacon. Wrapping chicken in bacon? It's like giving your dinner a comfort blanket.

Tomato puree. Adds a cheeky boost of rich, concentrated tomato flavour.

Low-calorie/sugar-free barbecue sauce. The sticky, tangy MVP of Hunter's Chicken. We’re keeping it light, but feel free to rebel.

Reduced-fat mozzarella. Melty, stretchy, gooey – a crucial part of the full pub grub experience without as many calories.

How To Make Air Fryer Hunter's Chicken

1 - Lay your chicken breasts on a plate and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Don’t be shy — this is your flavour foundation.

2 - Drape a slice of back bacon or turkey bacon over each breast and season with the paprika. It’s basically a cosy bacon blanket that keeps everything juicy as it cooks.

3 - Place the bacon-wrapped chicken into the air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching — overcrowding = sad, steamed chicken.

4 - Air fry at 180°C for 12 minutes. The bacon will start to crisp and the chicken will be nearly cooked through. No flipping needed.

5 - Open the basket and brush each chicken breast generously with tomato purée and low-calorie BBQ sauce. Think of it like painting… but tastier.

6 - Sprinkle the mozzarella over the saucy chicken breasts. A big handful per piece — this is not the moment for restraint.

7. Pop the basket back in for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, gooey layer. Serve immediately while everything is sizzling and glorious.

Keeping Hunter's Chicken For Later

To Store

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The bacon stays surprisingly crisp!

To Reheat

Microwave on full power for 2–3 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes at 160°C for that crispy finish.

To Freeze

Not the best candidate — the cheese and bacon texture won’t be the same. Best eaten fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with:

• Air-fried sweet potato wedges

• Green beans or broccoli

• Simple salad

• Microwave rice for emergency weeknight speed

• Or go wild and add garlic bread… because balance.

Variations & Tips

• Add extra protein by topping with a spoonful of cottage cheese before adding mozzarella (don’t knock it ’til you try).

• Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for even juicier results.

• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or streaky bacon if you’re feeling dangerous.

• Want heat? Mix a little chipotle paste into your BBQ sauce (your readers love your chipotle paste tip!).

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer — sad, steamed chicken is not the vibe.

Air Fryer Hunter's Chicken Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy. Just check the internal temp hits 75°C and adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.

What’s the best type of bacon to use?

Back bacon is traditional, but turkey bacon works if you’re counting calories. Feeling fancy? Streaky bacon for extra crisp!

Can I make Hunter's Chicken in the oven?

Yes, but where’s the fun in that? Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, adding sauce and cheese in the final 5 minutes.

What can I serve it with?

Classic choices include chips, mash, or veg. Or go rogue with a garlic bread side – because carbs are life.

Can I use regular BBQ sauce?

Swapping low-calorie BBQ sauce for regular adds 10-20 kcal per serving, while using full-fat mozzarella instead of reduced-fat adds another 20 kcal. In total, this could increase the meal from 320 kcal to around 350-360 kcal per portion. If you go all out with streaky bacon too, expect 400 kcal+ per serving. Still way lighter than the deep-fried pub version—and just as delicious!

Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken

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Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken: juicy chicken wrapped in bacon, topped with BBQ sauce and melted cheese. A 20-minute pub classic made easy!

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• 600g chicken breasts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 slices back bacon or turkey bacon
• 2 tsp tomato puree
• 2 tbsp low-calorie/sugar-free barbeque sauce
• 120 g reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Season those chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don't skimp – the chicken deserves a little razzle-dazzle.

Wrap each breast in bacon. It’s like a cosy meat hug. Place them gently into your air fryer.

Cook at 180°C for 12 minutes. No need to flip – the air fryer’s got your back!

Add a tomato paste base layer, then brush on that barbecue sauce like you’re an artist and this chicken is your canvas.

Sprinkle on mozzarella cheese. Pop it back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, gooey crown.

Serve and prepare for applause. Seriously, your family or housemates might actually cheer.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 378
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Protein: 60 g

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