Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
This Healthier Coxinhas Recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic Brazilian snack by incorporating lean chicken breast and baking with an air fryer instead of deep-frying. The coxinhas feature a creamy chicken filling with tomato paste and cream cheese wrapped in a soft, flavorful dough, coated in breadcrumbs, and air-fried to golden, crispy perfection.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 coxinhas 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 medium chicken breast (200–250 g / 7–9 oz)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped (40 g / 1.5 oz)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil (5 ml)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (15 g / 0.5 oz, optional)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (30 g / 1 oz, Catupiry or similar)
- 1 tbsp parsley or green onion, chopped (5 g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dough
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (375 ml) – reserved from cooking chicken
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g / 6.7 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter (14 g / 0.5 oz)
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- 1 ¼ cups breadcrumbs (125 g / 4.5 oz, panko preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a pot, place the chicken breast with the bay leaf and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the broth and shred the chicken finely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add tomato paste if using, and stir well. Mix in the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and chopped parsley or green onion. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the filling is creamy and heated through. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough: In a saucepan, bring the reserved chicken broth, butter, and pinch of salt to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately add the all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Allow the dough to cool until warm enough to handle.
- Assemble the Coxinhas: Take small portions of dough and flatten them in your palm. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center, then carefully mold the dough around the filling to form a drumstick-shaped coxinha. Ensure the filling is completely enclosed.
- Coat the Coxinhas: Dip each coxinha into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Place them on a tray.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly spray the coxinhas with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to encourage browning. Place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serving: Once cooked, remove the coxinhas and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these healthier, crispy Brazilian snacks warm.
Notes
- Using an air fryer instead of deep-frying significantly reduces oil and calories.
- Substitute cream cheese with Catupiry for a more authentic flavor if available.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs in the filling to your taste.
- Make sure the dough is cool enough to handle but still pliable for shaping.
- Ensure coxinhas are sealed well to prevent filling leaks during cooking.
Keywords: coxinhas, Brazilian snack, air fryer recipe, healthy coxinhas, chicken coxinhas, Brazilian appetizer, low fat snack