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Air fryer pecan crusted chicken

Sometimes, the best chicken recipes are the simplest. This air fryer pecan crusted chicken takes ordinary chicken breast and transforms it into something crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 328 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast (cut into cutlets)
  • ½ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken: Whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and Italian herbs in a bowl.
    Add the chicken cutlets, turning them until coated well. Cover and let rest for about 15 minutes so the flavors soak in.
  • Make the crust: Chop the pecans into small bits. Stir together with panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. This will be the coating.
  • Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
    Press each piece firmly into the pecan mixture so the crust sticks to both sides.
  • Air fryer directions
  • Arrange chicken in a single layer. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 9–10 minutes.
    Flip and continue for 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown and the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Oven directions
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place the coated chicken on top.
    Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
    Serve hot with your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Chopping the pecans finely keeps the coating from falling off during cooking.
  • A quick spray of oil over the chicken helps achieve that golden crunch.
  • If you like stronger flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the coating.
  • Chicken tenders can be used instead of cutlets, just reduce cooking time by a few minutes.
  • Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 26gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 511mgPotassium: 503mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
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