There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown piece of chicken—especially when it’s keto-friendly, air-fried, and packed with flavor.
This Keto Air Fryer Chicken Breast is everything you love about a good fried chicken recipe but without the heavy oils and carbs.
Instead of a traditional flour coating, we’re using super-fine almond flour and parmesan cheese, creating a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible.
The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or a long marination process. A quick soak in dill pickle juice (yes, really!) keeps the chicken incredibly moist, while the air fryer works its magic to crisp up every bite.
Plus, air frying cuts down on oil by up to 80% compared to deep frying, making this a smart choice for anyone watching their macros.
Why You’ll Be Making This on Repeat?
- Super Crispy, No Guilt – The parmesan-almond flour crust gives you all the crunch of fried chicken, but it’s 100% keto-friendly.
- Juicy Every Time – That quick pickle juice marinade? Absolute game-changer for keeping the chicken ultra-moist.
- Quick & Easy – No deep-frying mess, no long prep—just toss it in the air fryer and go.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time; it stays crispy and reheats beautifully.
- Weight-Loss Friendly – High protein, low carb, and made with healthy fats—ideal for keto and beyond!
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls (for dredging)
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
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
- Marinate chicken breasts in dill pickle juice for 30 minutes (optional but recommended for juiciness).
- In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix almond flour, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, then coat evenly with the flour mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with avocado oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer, avoiding overlap.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Enjoy with your favorite dip or a side of whipped Greek yogurt!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 351kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Sodium | 726mg |
Creative Variations to Try!
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coating for a bold, fiery twist. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the egg wash for extra heat.
- Crispier & Crunchier: For an even thicker crust, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and flour coating process. This creates a restaurant-style crispy layer without deep frying.
- Herb-Infused Crust: Mix in some dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the almond-parmesan coating for a herby, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with any dip.
- Coconut Flour Coating: Swap almond flour with coconut flour for a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. It’s perfect if you love a lighter, more delicate crust with a unique taste.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Try grated pecorino or sharp cheddar instead of parmesan for a different depth of flavor. The cheddar crisps up beautifully for a richer, bolder taste.
- Buttermilk-Style Marinade: Skip the pickle juice and marinate the chicken in unsweetened almond milk with a splash of vinegar for 30 minutes. It mimics the tenderness of traditional buttermilk without the carbs.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
