This air fryer pecan crusted chicken is one of those recipes that feels a little different but is actually really simple to make.
The tricky part is the crust. Pecans cook fast, so they can burn before the chicken is done, or fall off if the coating isn't set right. This chicken breast in air fryer method fixes that, so you get a crispy, golden crust with juicy chicken inside.
You can enjoy this chicken breast recipe any time of the year, but something about fall and pecan makes this recipe perfect for pecans season.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Crispy, crunchy coating without frying
- Juicy chicken inside, not dry
- Feels a little special but still easy
- Works for dinner, salads, or meal prep
- Sweet and savory flavor without being heavy
How Long to Cook Pecan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer
You will want to cook the chicken breast for at least ten minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use an instant meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165ºF in the thickest part.
A small amount of oil makes a big difference here, especially if you're wondering whether you need oil for air fryer chicken breast.
Ingredients
Tools you may need
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Why pecan crusted chicken can go wrong in the air fryer
This is where most people mess it up, nuts cook faster than chicken.
- Pecans brown quickly
- Chicken takes longer to cook
- Coating can fall off or burn
The goal is simple: get the crust to stick and crisp without overcooking the chicken.
How to make pecan crusted chicken in the air fryer?
You will love how quick this air fryer pecan crusted chicken is made using this new appliance.
- First, stir together the pecan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl; then spread the mixture on a plate.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg, set it aside.
- Pat dry the chicken breast with a paper towel. Next, dip the chicken into the egg; then dredge with the pecan mixture pressing down to coat. Repeat with remaining pieces.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer; spray with avocado oil. Cook for ten minutes or until an instant meat thermometer reaches 165ºF.
- Allow the chicken to rest before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Chop the pecans small: Big pieces won't stick and can burn faster.
- Press the coating onto the chicken: Don't just dip, press it so it stays.
- Spray lightly with oil: This is what helps the crust turn golden instead of dry. Don't overcrowd the basket: Air needs to move or the coating won't crisp.
- Watch the crust, not just the time: Once it's golden, you're close, don't let it burn.
If the coating isn't crisping properly, it's often the same reason chicken isn't crispy in the air fryer.
How to make crusted chicken in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF, line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper, and spray with avocado oil.
- Follow steps 1,2,3 in the recipe card
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches 165ºF in the thickest part of the chicken.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken
We like to serve this chicken with a variety of side dishes such as veggies and carbs. Some of our favorite side dishes include:
- Cauliflower mash.
- Air Fryer Spaghetti squash
- Crispy Broccoli
- Steamed asparagus
- You can also serve this chicken with salads and soups.
How to Store Pecan Crusted Chicken?
The refrigerator: Store the leftovers within two hours in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
The Freezer: Once the chicken breast is cold, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
The recommendation of the FDA is to discard any meat that has been at room temperature for more than two hours because bacteria can grow rapidly at a temperature between 40ºF and 140ºF.
How to Reheat Pecan Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes until heated through.
- Oven: Reheat this pecan crusted chicken in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes or until heated through.
FAQ'S
Press the coating onto the chicken instead of just dipping it. That makes a big difference.
Pecans cook fast. Lower the temperature slightly or remove the chicken once the crust is golden.
Yes, but breadcrumbs help the crust hold better and cook more evenly.
Use a light spray of oil and don't overcrowd the basket so air can circulate.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Plantain Chips
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts- Air Fryer Eggplant
- Air Fryer Candied Pecans
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Marinated Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Breast
- BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Split Chicken Breast Air Fryer
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Best Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Perfect for any time of the week, this air fryer pecan crusted chicken is one of the best chicken dinner recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Amazingly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender inside, changing your go-to chicken dinner recipe with a different flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (salt-free)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together pecan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper; spread into a plate.
- Whisk the egg in a bowl and set it aside.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Dip the chicken into the egg, then dredge with the pecan mixture pressing down to coat. Repeat with remaining pieces.
- Place the chicken breast inside the air fryer basket in a single layer; spray with avocado oil and air fry to 370ºF for 10 minutes turning halfway through or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use a food processor to chop the pecan; pulse a few times.
- Use panko or regular breadcrumbs for this recipe.
- Be sure to use a meat thermometer when cooking poultry in the air fryer.
- The cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
- Find the steps with photos on how to cut lenthwise chicken breast in this instant pot recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 479Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 191mgSodium: 317mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 58g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
