Shh...don't tell the family. They will never know that this Keto Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe isn't traditionally fried! Crispy and extra moist (thanks to a secret marinade), this boneless chicken is gluten-free, grain-free, and low carb. Whew! Who knew healthy could taste so good?!
I am a Southern girl, so it probably comes at no surprise that I LOVE Fried Chicken.
That said, I think the last time that I made traditional fried chicken was fourteen years ago on my birthday.
It was raining that day, and I have vivid memories of my husband holding an umbrella over my Mom while she cooked it on the side burner to her grill.
I can't remember precisely why, given the rain, we weren't cooking inside.
Maybe because I hate how frying makes the house smell?
I'd like to think I wouldn't have banished anyone to cook in the rain for something like that, but you never know.
Today, I've got a recipe that I promise you will never need to cook outside. And guys....this one is going to blow you away.
This Keto Air Fried Chicken Breast is...
To...Die...For!
It is rare that something surprises me as much as this dish did. My husband, who has a strong preference for dark meat was even blown away.
And, it is super-simple to make!
Tips & Tricks
- Almond flour isn't quite as sticky as regular flour, so you can use your hands to gently press any coating that falls off.
- Use an instant read thermometer to make sure the chicken is done. You can read more about safe temperatures for chicken here.
- The quality of the Parmesan Cheese will impact the flavor of this recipe tremendously. I recommend buying a block of aged Parmesan if you can.
- Almond flour can stick to surfaces more than traditional flours. Do not skip spraying the air fryer well with oil! If some of the coating sticks when you flip it, you can use the spatula to get the stuck bits up and gently press back into the chicken. If you spray well the sticking should be minimal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast - You can use chicken cutlets or even thighs. Just make sure that you adjust the cooking time if you are using smaller pieces. The best way to determine if chicken is done is with an instant-read thermometer.
- Dill Pickle Juice - I use Bubbies, which is full of probiotics and found in the refrigerator section.
- Almond Flour - Make sure you are using finely ground almond flour. Almond meal does not work well here.
- Parmesan - Use finely ground fresh cheese, not the kind that you get in a can.
- Salt - I am pretty obsessed with smoked salt and love the flavor it lends here; use what you have.
- Pepper - Fresh ground is best.
- Eggs - I use large eggs; whatever you have on hand works!
Make Ahead
The chicken can be coated ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. You may also coat and freeze the chicken breast.
To do this, place the coated chicken breast on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag.
When ready to cook, thaw on a plate in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Even if you are following a Keto (high fat) diet, this is a healthier option.
Although there are certainly healthy fats in which you could fry chicken, the challenge comes in maintaining the correct temperature and avoiding having the oil reaching its smoke point.
(You can learn more about what happens when oils reach their smoke point HERE.).
Air Frying is a great way to avoid having to be concerned with smoke points because the temperature is controlled. (And you aren't using nearly as much oil!) .
You don't HAVE to put oil in an Air Fryer, but it is the best way to keep what you are cooking from sticking.
I recommend lightly brushing or spraying oil on the bottom of the Air Fryer pan.
Different models will be cleaned in different ways, but I recommend letting your Air Fryer cool and then hand washing.
Once my Air Fryer is washed and rinsed, I like to turn it back on for a few minutes to help it dry quickly.
How to Make Keto Air Fryer Chicken
1. Make the breading by tossing together the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
2. Pound the chicken to a uniform thickness.
3. Whisk the eggs and then dip the chicken in the eggs.
4. Dredge in the breading mixture.
5. Spray your with oil Air Fryer and cook! In less than 15 minutes, you've got crispy deliciousness that the family is going to love.
Variations
- Soak chicken in buttermilk instead of pickle juice if you are not strictly keto.
- For a spicy kick, add two teaspoons (more or less to taste) of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Not watching carbs and don’t have almond flour? Any flour will work.
- To make Air Fryer Chicken Breast with No Breading, brine the chicken breast in the dill pickle juice. Dry and and season with 1/2 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook as directed.
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Tools Recommended to Make This Recipe:
- Air Fryer - You can get them at multiple price points - Low, Medium, or High. (I LOVE, LOVE the last one. It is the easiest way to Air Fry for a family.)
- Bowl
- Shallow Breading Trays
- Spatula
You May Also Like
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Gluten Free, Vegan Option) - You will squeal with excitement the first time you make these sliders. Pure comfort food that never gets oil.
- Gluten Free Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs - Think you need breadcrumbs for good meatballs? Think again! I promise, you won't miss the bread in these gluten free meatballs.
- Zucchini Fritters Recipe - I never get tired of these Zucchini Fritters! The only problem with this recipe? They go so quick that the family eats them up just as quickly as I can make them.
- Healthy Chicken Nuggets - If your kids love chicken nuggets as much as mine do, you are going to want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. These are nuggets you can feel good about serving. And they are kid-approved!
- Don't feel like breading chicken? Try this Air Fryer Chicken with No Breading.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast recipe is my go-to recipe for fried chicken! Your family won't know that it isn't traditionally fried. Thanks to a secret marinade, it is so moist - and, you won't believe how crispy it is.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 16 ounces boneless chicken breast
- 3/4 cups dill pickle juice optional - I use Bubbies
- 3/4 cup super-fine almond flour
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese see note
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sea salt or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Wash chicken and place in a zip-top bag.
- Using a meat mallet, pound to a uniform thickness, about 1/2 inch.
- Place chicken in a bowl and pour pickle juice on top of it. Allow to brine in the refrigerator for up to two hours. (You may skip this step if desired.)
- Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
- In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, beat eggs.
- Drain chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Coat with eggs and then dregs in the almond flour mixture. Use your fingers to gently press the coating into the chicken. Spray both sides of the chicken with oil
- Spray the Air Fryer with oil, and add chicken. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Carefully flip with a spatula. Re-spray and cook an additional 6 to 7 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Notes
Don't have an Air Fryer? Make Oven Fried Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place chicken on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Carefully flip with a spatula.
- Cook an additional 20 minutes.
- Make Ahead: The chicken can be coated ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. You may also coat and freeze the chicken breast. To do this, place the coated chicken breast on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw on a plate in the refrigerator.
- The quality of the Parmesan Cheese will impact the flavor of this recipe tremendously. I recommend buying a block of aged Parmesan if you can.
- Almond flour can stick to surfaces more than traditional flours. Do not skip spraying the air fryer well with oil! If some of the coating sticks when you flip it, you can use the spatula to get the stuck bits up and gently press back into the chicken. If you spray well the sticking should be minimal.
Variations
- Soak chicken in buttermilk instead of pickle juice.
- For a spicy kick, add two teaspoons (more or less to taste) of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Not watching carbs and don’t have almond flour? Any flour will work.
Nutrition
Helpful Air Frying Resources:
- How to Use an Air Fryer on Epicurious
- How to Use an Air Fryer on Princess Pinky Girl
Kristi Ann
This looks amazing! I have been wanting to get an air fryer! They totally look worth it!
Kate Andrews
Never thought of cooking chicken this way. What a great idea!
Adriana
Ive heard so many amazing things about the airfryer. I have to check it out and just get one!
pinkoddy
Thank you for this recipe it looks delicious. I have to admit I am terrible at mostly cooking just chips in our air fryer so need to try new recipes.
Kristy Bullard
I’m a southern girl too and I love fried chicken! We recently just got an air fryer so I will have to try this recipe. It looks delicious!
Ada
Oh this looks so delicious! Need to try making.
hey sharonoox
We love a good chicken breast. I really like this recipe. I'm always looking for an easy and fast recipe so this one is up my alley. Air fryer is awesome!
Meghan Karaan
Cooking with an air fryer is always so amazing! This chicken turned out so amazing. I am going to have to give it a try.
Ruth-Ann Ridley
I do not have an air fryer but I definitely need to invest in one. We are trying to eat more healthy and that would definitely be the way to go.
Becca Wilson
Holy moly! That looks so delicious. I am definitely giving this chicken a try with my kiddos.
Blair Villanueva
Your recipe looks delicious! They say air fryer cooking is much healthier than cooking the other way. I should try this at home soon 😀
Nicole
This looks so good! I got an airfryer for christmas a couple years ago and I love it! I always use it for chicken, tater tots (for my son), and even used it for steak! I'll have to give this recipe a try, thanks for sharing!
Anita
Just got an air fryer, and wanted to try out a recipe, this was super easy and super yummy!! Definitely a redo!!
Wendy Polisi
So glad you enjoyed it Anita! Aren't Air Fryers just the best?!
Marie
We made these a couple of weeks ago in the air fryer and had baked potato wedges on the side! Delicious! It's awesome that these were gluten-free and low carb; they were perfect for both me and my dad! I loved this recipe so much that I'm making them with a friend this weekend!
Wendy Polisi
I am so glad that you enjoyed it! (And thanks for taking the time to let me know.) It is funny that you would leave a comment right now. I was sitting at my computer brainstorming a list of Air Fryer Recipes I wanted to create for the website. I am addicted to my air fryer.
Will Covington
Wow....I can’t believe how good these are. I didn’t brine them and I only had olive oil on hand. Thank you for the recipe and I will be making these often!!!
Michelle
This looks so good. My son is allergic to nuts. Can I use coconut flour in place of almond flour?
Wendy Polisi
I haven't tried it but I see no reason why it wouldn't work! Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, but I don't think that would be an issue here.
Robin
I just made this my husband and I. Delious!!! Now I went with buttermilk verses Pickle juice. It will be a new family favorite.
Wendy Polisi
So glad that you enjoyed it! Buttermilk is a great sub - that is how my mom always made her fried chicken.
Elizabeth Sinko
Very tasty coating, however the chicken was a bit dry. I'm wondering if I cooked it too long? My fryer doesn't have a "pre heat" setting and when I stopped it mid way to flip the chicken it starts over again. Maybe this messes up the temp in turn making the chicken dry? Help!
Wendy Polisi
Yes - you must have cooked it too long for your cooker. Like slow cookers, every air fryer is a little different. If you try it again, I'd cut the cooking time by a few minutes and see if that helps.
Miranda
Oh my, this sounds SO good!!! I just got an air fryer and I feel like I have so many things to try!!!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks - if you try it let me know how it goes!
Tricia
Was thinking of trying this in the next day or two. I only have all purpose flour on hand, can you use that with this recipe. We can’t use almond flour due to allergies.
Wendy Polisi
Yes - that will work great!
Anna
Do u spray them with cooking spray oil?
Wendy Polisi
I do!
Stacey
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS RECIPE! The only exception is that I used my AirFryer Oven instead. And I didn't have to flip the chicken. I've really enjoyed every recipe from you that we've tried.
Wendy Polisi
Yay! So glad that you loved it Stacey. This is a favorite of mine too. I don't repeat a lot of recipes once I'm done testing them because I am always working on something new, but I make an exception for this one. I am happy that everything has worked out that you've tried. (And thanks for taking the time to let me know!)
Linda Brohman
Can you use mozzarella cheese if you don't have parmesan??
Wendy Polisi
You could certainly try it, but I haven't I I do not believe it would work as well. Parmesan is so dry that it acts more like a breadcrumb, whereas mozzarella is going to melt.
Shelly
Can you use other cuts of chicken with this recipe such as drumsticks, thighs, etc ...
Wendy Polisi
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time. I recommend using an instant read thermometer to make sure it is done.
Gretchen
How would the air fryer directions for this recipe translate to a Ninja Foodi compact pressure cooker/air crisp?
Wendy Polisi
I would like imagine it would be similar, but you might need to adjust your cooking time. That is not a machine to I have worked with but I hear great things.