Few foods offer the same comforting satisfaction as juicy, crispy chicken. This Keto Chicken Parmesan recipe brings you all the familiar flavors of traditional chicken parmesan while ditching those unwanted carbs. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic, this air fryer recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Can't say no to fried chicken? The loaded-with-cheese, soaked-in-oil kind that is crunchy at first bite and tender and juicy inside? You can get that same kind of decadent deliciousness without the frightful amount of oil, mess and not to mention calories with this little kitchen gadget called the air fryer. This air-fried parmesan crusted chicken has the deep-fried look and taste of its more conventionally cooked (but unhealthy) cousin, but it is made without a drop of oil, pinky promise. Score!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dish:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. While chicken thighs can be used, chicken breasts are often preferred for this particular dish.
- Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour as a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for maximum flavor and even melting.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor. If you don't have it on hand, you can create your own mix using basil, rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Eggs: Eggs help the parmesan crust adhere to the chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the chicken soft and tender and helps the dry coating to stick to the meat.
- Garlic powder: For flavor.
- Oil Spray: Avocado oil spray is a good choice due to its high smoke point, but any oil spray you have on hand will work.
- Salt: Salt for seasoning and brining (optional)
- Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter than regular breadcrumbs and much crispier.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought marinara sauce to top the chicken.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a cheesy, melty finish.
- Spices: Paprika, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic salt, to taste.
Optional Step: Brining for Extra Juiciness
Brining the chicken is an optional but highly recommended step. The salt helps the chicken retain moisture, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
- Heat one cup of water and stir in salt until it dissolves.
- Transfer to a bowl and fill with cold water or ice.
- Add chicken breasts and allow to brine in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
Preparation
Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag. Pound to uniform thickness with a meat mallet. (About ½”.). Alternatively, place the chicken breasts on a plastic cutting board. Carefully slice horizontally into two thin pieces.
- Drain the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
Make the Parmesan Crust
- Take a wide and shallow bowl and add the parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Combine the ingredients with a fork or spoon.
- Place the almond flour, parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Place the eggs in a separate bowl and beat well.
- Coat with the egg mixture and then dredge in the almond flour mixture. The mixture will not stick as well as traditional flours and breadcrumbs, so you may have to use your fingers to gently press the coating into the chicken.
- Repeat with remaining pieces.
- Spray both sides of the chicken well will oil.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown. (Cooking times can vary by air fryer brand.)
- Carefully flip with a spatula.
- Re-spray and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until cooked through.
- The safe temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Flip with a spatula.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken.
- Even Coating: Do your best to coat the chicken evenly. You don’t want it built up too much as it can take longer to cook in that area.
Alternatives to Mayonnaise
If you don't like or want to use mayonnaise, you can go with egg whites too. Brush it on before coating them with the parmesan mixture.
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- Ranch dressing - same creamy texture as mayo fo all the mayo haters!
- Buttermilk - soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
- Greek yogurt or even tzatziki (a Greek yogurt and cucumber dressing) for richer flavor
- Sour cream
- Honey mustard - spread a thin layer for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Low-Carb Sides: Cauliflower rice, steamed veggies (asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower), or a fresh salad.
- Potatoes: My family loves potatoes with chicken, so that's what I have in the pictures. Yukon Gold potato bites, with some ready seasoning. Air fried for 8 minutes, no flipping required. You can also do smashed potatoes in your air fryer instead of potato bites.
- Dips and sauces: a quick mix of ketchup and hot sauce goes well. For a milder version, ketchup and mayo is good too.
- Soups: For a more filling side, try a healthy homemade soup like this Irish vegetable soup with root vegetables and a simple, no-fuss method.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in a covered container.
- Reheating: Preheat the air-fryer and keep the pieces in the basket for 3 minutes at 380 F for perfectly crisped-up chicken again. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
If you're doing a make-ahead meal, follow through with all the prep steps and keep the breaded, uncooked chicken in individual ziploc bags. Keep the bags in the freezer until you need them again, pop them in the air fryer for 15 minutes (since they are frozen) and voila! You have a quicker than quick chicken dinner ready!
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan crust for a spicy kick.
- Herby: Experiment with different herbs in the parmesan crust, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Cheesy: Use a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheese in the crust for extra cheesiness.
Air Fryer Recommendations
THIS is the one I personally own and love. It's small enough to put on the kitchen counter or on top of your fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
- Nope. No need to. The chicken will cook evenly without flipping.
How to store parmesan crusted chicken?
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- Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How do you reheat air fryer chicken?
- This is a perfect meal prep recipe! Simply reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
How do you know when the chicken is done?
- I always check all of my meat with a meat thermometer because it is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through all the way. I like to take my chicken out at 155-160F because I allow it to rest up to 165F. This makes sure the chicken is juicy and flavorful. No one likes dry chicken breast. Another way to check to see if a chicken breast is if the juices are running clear and colorless.
Do you need to use oil spray?
- I use oil spray on the basket to make sure that the chicken does not stick when flipping it and removing it.
How long can you store parmesan crusted chicken in the fridge?
- Mix together the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic paste and paprika until well mixed in a shallow bowl. At first the garlic will be clumpy but keep mixing until it is all incorporated.
Can you cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
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- Yes, you can absolutely cook boneless skinless chicken breast in the air fryer! Especially with the coating, the chicken is nice and juicy and the crust developed a great golden brown and delicious flavor.