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 , this boneless chicken is gluten-free, grain-free, and low carb. Best of all, this easy recipe takes just 30 minutes start to finish.
If you love easy meals that the family will ask for again and again, you will love this air fried chicken breast.
It is super-crispy, tender, and so delicious.
Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to make. (Not including the optional brine time.)
Give this easy recipe a try, and you will be glad that you did.
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. Want it to reach a temperature of 165 °F before serving.
- 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. Brining the chicken is completely optional, but it does make for extra juicy chicken.
- 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.
Do I Have to Use Oil When Air Frying?
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.
How to Make Keto Air Fryer Chicken
First, make the breading by tossing together the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Next, pound the chicken to a uniform thickness.
After that, whisk the eggs and then dip the chicken in the eggs.
Dredge in the breading mixture.
Spray your with oil Air Fryer and cook the chicken in your air fryer basket! In less than 30 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.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings to the breading. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are all good options.
- After the air fried chicken is done cooking, toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce.
Tools Recommended to Make This Recipe:
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- Air Fryer - You can get them at multiple price points - Low or High. (I LOVE, LOVE the last one. It is the easiest way to Air Fry for a family.)
- Bowl
- Shallow Breading Trays
- Spatula
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30 Minutes Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 16 ounces boneless chicken breast
- ¾ cups dill pickle juice optional - I use Bubbies
- ¾ cup super-fine almond flour
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese see note
- ½ teaspoon smoked sea salt or sea salt
- ½ 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 ½ 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 and the internal temperature is at least 160° F. Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
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.
Kristi Ann says
This looks amazing! I have been wanting to get an air fryer! They totally look worth it!
Kate Andrews says
Never thought of cooking chicken this way. What a great idea!
Adriana says
Ive heard so many amazing things about the airfryer. I have to check it out and just get one!
pinkoddy says
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 says
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 says
Oh this looks so delicious! Need to try making.
hey sharonoox says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Holy moly! That looks so delicious. I am definitely giving this chicken a try with my kiddos.
Blair Villanueva says
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 says
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 says
Just got an air fryer, and wanted to try out a recipe, this was super easy and super yummy!! Definitely a redo!!
Wendy Polisi says
So glad you enjoyed it Anita! Aren't Air Fryers just the best?!
Marie says
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 says
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 says
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!!!