Keto Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide

Air fryer chicken breast recipes are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a high-protein, low-carb meal. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, the air fryer can help you achieve juicy and flavorful chicken with minimal effort. This article explores various keto-friendly air fryer chicken breast recipes, offering tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Chicken Breast

Air fryers offer several advantages over traditional cooking methods:

• Healthier Cooking: Air frying requires little to no oil, reducing the fat content of your meal.
• Faster Cooking: Air fryers cook food more quickly than ovens, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy interior.
• Crispy Exterior: Air fryers can create a crispy exterior without the need for breading or excessive oil.

Keto Cheesy Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer

This keto cheesy chicken breast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The juicy chicken is topped with a luscious cream cheese topping and broccoli, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese, softened
• Cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh broccoli, finely chopped
• Garlic, crushed
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Chop the broccoli into very small pieces and mix into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Place the raw chicken breast on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut the top of the chicken in a crosshatch or diamond pattern, making sure the slices don't go all the way through.
4. Divide the cheese mixture and spread evenly on the pieces of chicken, ensuring some of the mixture gets into the crevices.
5. Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Gently lay the chicken inside.
6. Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a green salad, vegetables, soup, or keto-friendly side dishes. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Crispy Air Fried Chicken Breasts (Keto/Low Carb)

Discover the secret to making tender, juicy, and flavorful air-fried chicken breasts. This recipe uses a low-carb breading to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Egg
• Pork rinds, crushed (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups)
• Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Avocado oil spray

Instructions:

1. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
2. Set up a breading station with two shallow containers. In one, beat the egg. In the other, combine crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then dredge in the pork rind mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with avocado oil.
5. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 14-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (66°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The carryover cooking will bring the chicken up to the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips:

• Line the baking tray with foil for easy clean-up.
• Ensure the chicken is chilled before breading.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites (Keto/Low Carb)

These air fryer chicken taco bites are a versatile and flavorful option for a quick meal or party appetizer. The chicken is seasoned with a homemade taco seasoning blend and lime zest, offering a burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Avocado oil
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lime zest
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime juice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime zest.
3. In a larger bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in avocado oil.
4. Add the seasoning mixture to the chicken and toss until well coated.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, in tacos or quesadillas, on salads, or in lettuce wraps.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Simple Seasonings

This recipe highlights the simplicity of cooking chicken breast in an air fryer with just a few basic seasonings.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Coat each chicken breast with oil on both sides using a basting brush.
4. Evenly coat both sides of each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture.
5. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C).
7. Let the chicken rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes before cutting. The carryover cooking will bring the chicken up to the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations:

For quicker cooking, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Reduce the cooking time to 10-15 minutes, flipping at the 4-minute mark.

Keto Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer

Enjoy the flavors of traditional chicken parmesan without the carbs. This recipe uses almond flour and parmesan cheese to create a crispy coating.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Almond flour, finely ground
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Eggs, beaten
• Marinara sauce, low-carb
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Oil spray (avocado or olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag and pound to a uniform thickness of about ½ inch.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the eggs in a separate bowl and beat well.
5. Drain the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Coat with the egg mixture and then dredge in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
6. Spray both sides of the chicken well with oil.
7. Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Carefully flip with a spatula, re-spray with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until cooked through.
9. Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast (Keto)

This recipe combines juicy air-fried chicken with a flavorful keto-friendly BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Avocado oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Keto BBQ sauce (such as Primal Kitchen's Unsweetened Classic BBQ Sauce)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts into a bowl. Add avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices evenly over the chicken.
2. Lay the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
4. Once the chicken breasts are cooked, spread about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over the top of each.
5. Place them back into the air fryer to cook for 2 more minutes at 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli (Keto/Low Carb)

A simple and healthy dish featuring chicken and broccoli, seasoned with a savory marinade. You can customize the recipe for regular cooked or extra crispy broccoli.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Onion, sliced (optional)
• Oil (avocado or olive oil)
• Garlic powder
• Ginger
• Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo)
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions for Regular Cooked Broccoli:

1. In a bowl, combine oil, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, optional hot sauce, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. In separate bowls, add the chicken to one bowl and the broccoli and onions (if using) to the other. Divide the marinade between the two bowls, stirring to coat each completely.
3. Add just the chicken to the air fryer basket/tray. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the broccoli and onions with the chicken, including all the marinade.
5. Continue to air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender. Stir halfway through cooking.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Add fresh lemon juice on top (optional) and serve warm.

Instructions for Extra Crispy, Charred Broccoli:

1. Combine chicken, broccoli, and onion (if using) in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine oil, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, optional hot sauce, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Add the chicken, broccoli, and onions to the marinade. Stir thoroughly to combine.
4. Add ingredients to the air fryer basket/tray.
5. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 16-20 minutes, shaking and gently tossing halfway through cooking.
6. Check the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. If not, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Add fresh lemon juice on top (optional) and serve warm.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Dill Pickle Brine (Keto)

This recipe uses a dill pickle brine to create an extra moist and flavorful chicken breast.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Dill pickle juice (such as Bubbies)
• Almond flour, finely ground
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Eggs, beaten
• Oil spray (avocado or olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Wash chicken and place in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet, pound to a uniform thickness, about ½ inch.
2. Place chicken in a bowl and pour pickle juice on top. Allow to brine in the refrigerator for up to two hours (optional).
3. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
4. In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. In a separate shallow dish, beat eggs.
6. Drain chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Coat with eggs and then dredge in the almond flour mixture. Use your fingers to gently press the coating into the chicken.
7. Spray both sides of the chicken with oil.
8. Spray the Air Fryer with oil, and add chicken. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes.
9. 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.

General Tips for Air Frying Chicken Breast

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior.
• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure proper air circulation.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and marinades to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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