Are you looking for quick, easy, and delicious keto-friendly chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights? Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful without the added carbs. This article explores two mouthwatering keto air fryer chicken recipes: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Breast and Keto Chicken Parmesan, along with Chicken Taco Bites.
Keto Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Breast
This keto cheesy chicken breast made in the air fryer is a delicious dinner for busy weeknights. The juicy pieces of chicken are topped with a luscious cream cheese topping and with bits of broccoli and are full of flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
Many people struggle with cooking chicken breast and keeping it juicy and tender. This recipe solves that problem by topping the chicken with a creamy, cheesy mixture that locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a high-protein, low-carb meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. If you prefer bone-in chicken, ensure there is no skin, as it may not cook well under the topping.
- Mayonnaise, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar: These form the basis of the cheesy topping. Mayonnaise adds moisture, while cream cheese thickens the mixture. Cheddar cheese pairs well with broccoli, but you can substitute parmesan or asiago cheese.
- Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is recommended, but frozen can be used.
- Garlic and Spices: Onion powder, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper provide the seasoning. Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable. Hot pepper flakes can be added for extra spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Cream Cheese Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Chop the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into very small pieces and mix it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the raw chicken breast on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut a cross-hatch or diamond pattern on the top of the chicken, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Add the Topping: Divide the cheese mixture and spread it evenly on the chicken pieces, ensuring some of the mixture gets into the crevices.
- Air Fry: Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Gently lay the chicken inside the basket. Set the air fryer to 370°F and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these keto cheesy chicken breasts with a big green salad, a side of vegetables, soup, or another keto-friendly side dish. For those not following a keto diet, this dish pairs perfectly with potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Tips for Juicy Chicken
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The creamy topping also helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Read also: Creamy Keto Ranch Chicken Recipe
Keto Chicken Parmesan
This Keto Chicken Parmesan offers all the flavor of traditional Chicken Parm, without the carbs. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's easy to make in an air fryer or oven.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless chicken breast is preferred for this recipe. Pounding the breasts to a uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for the breading.
- Italian Seasoning: A key component for that classic Italian flavor. If you don't have it, you can use basil, rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a low-carb marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds the cheesy goodness that makes Chicken Parmesan so irresistible.
- Salt for Brining (Optional): Brining the chicken can help to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Oil Spray: Avocado oil is a good choice, but you can use any oil with a high smoke point.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag and pound them to a uniform thickness of about ½ inch with a meat mallet. Alternatively, slice the chicken breasts horizontally into two thin pieces.
- Brine the Chicken (Optional): Heat 1 cup of water over medium heat and stir in salt until dissolved. Transfer to a bowl and fill with cold water. Add the chicken breasts and allow them to brine in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
- Preheat: Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees or an oven to 425 degrees.
- Prepare the Breading: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well.
- Coat the Chicken: Drain the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Coat it with the egg mixture and then dredge it in the almond flour mixture. Press the coating gently into the chicken to help it adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Air Fryer: Spray both sides of the chicken well with oil. Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Carefully flip with a spatula, respray, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until cooked through.
- Oven: Place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cook for 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip with a spatula.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked. The safe temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Keto Chicken Parmesan with a side of low-carb cauliflower fried rice or other keto-friendly vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures that it cooks evenly.
- Brining: Brining the chicken is optional but recommended for extra moisture and flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: When air frying, make sure to arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites
These Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites are perfect as an appetizer, a quick meal, or a versatile addition to your keto menu. They are bursting with bold flavor and are incredibly easy to make.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy: Simply toss the chicken in oil and spices, then throw it in the air fryer.
- Versatile: Serve them with toothpicks and a dipping sauce, turn them into tacos or quesadillas, toss them onto a salad, or roll them up in lettuce leaves for a wrap.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These freezer-friendly chicken bites can be prepped and frozen raw, or cooked and frozen for an easy no-effort meal later.
- Dietary Friendly: Naturally low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Avocado Oil: For tossing the chicken before seasoning.
- Seasonings: Cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime zest.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime zest.
- Season the Chicken: In a larger bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the avocado oil. Add the seasoning mixture and toss until the chicken is well coated.
- Air Fry: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like avocado crema or salsa.
- Tacos/Quesadillas: Use them as a filling for tacos or quesadillas with your favorite low-carb toppings.
- Salad Topping: Toss them onto taco salads for added protein and flavor.
- Nachos: Make nachos with Keto Chips and top with these chicken bites.
Tips for Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 45-second increments, tossing/stirring between blasts for even heating.
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F, then place chicken bites on a lined baking sheet, spread out so that they’re not touching one another if possible.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 350 for 3-6 minutes, tossing the bites at least once during reheating.
- Skillet: Lightly oil a skillet and warm over medium heat.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow your chicken to cool completely.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet, spreading them all out in a single layer so that they’re not touching.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until solid.
- Portion out individual servings into small baggies, then store all of the baggies in a larger freezer bag.
Read also: Low-carb chicken nuggets recipe.
Read also: Grill & Air Fryer Keto Chicken