Crispy, golden, and ready in just 20 minutes, this Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken brings big crunch and serious staying power. Thanks to the almonds and lean chicken, it’s a satisfying, feel-good dinner that keeps everyone happy—without the mess of traditional frying.
This one’s got that weeknight dinner magic: simple ingredients, quick cook time, and a crunchy coating that rivals fried chicken. It’s naturally gluten-free, great for meal prep, and loved by picky eaters too.
If you're into crispy mains, check out my Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken, Air Fryer Sausage Quiche, or these juicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy Without the Calories – The air fryer transforms almonds into a crunchy, golden crust—no deep fryer needed.
- Nutty, Satisfying Flavor – The almond coating adds rich texture and long-lasting energy.
- Air Fryer or Oven? Your Call! – Whether you're team air fryer or oven-baked, this recipe delivers that crave-worthy crunch with minimal effort.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Almonds – The real crunch heroes! I always use raw almonds and pulse them just enough to get those rough, craggy crumbs—none of that fine dust here. That texture is key for a crust that actually crunches and doesn't just melt into mush.
- Chicken Breasts – Butterfly them like a pro! Thinner cuts cook quicker and more evenly, and bonus: more surface area for that delicious almond coating to cling to. It's basically crust-to-chicken ratio perfection.
- Cornstarch – My secret weapon for the ultimate crispy grip. It gives the egg something to stick to and creates a nice dry base so the almond coating doesn’t slide off mid-fry.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Use Almond Flour – Great for a finer crust and ideal for gluten-free or low-carb eaters.
- Spicy Kick – Add smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne to the almond mix.
- Add Cheese – Mix in grated Parmesan for a cheesy, nutty crust.
- Switch the Nuts – Walnuts or pecans also crisp up beautifully.
- Add Herbs – I like to add dried rosemary or thyme for a fragrant addition.
- Make It Keto-Friendly – Skip the cornstarch and use crushed pork rinds or coconut flour instead.
Pair your tenders with my popular Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa recipe or herby Quinoa Salad for a balanced plate.
♨ Make Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Want a kid-friendly twist? Slice your chicken breasts into strips before dredging and coating. Crispy almond chicken tenders are quick to cook, easy to dip, and perfect for lunchboxes or party platters. Just reduce the cook time slightly—around 9–10 minutes in the air fryer should do the trick!
🔪 How To Make Crispy Almond Crusted Chicken
- Step 1: Add your almonds to a food processor. Pulverize your almonds to the size of crumbs. Separate into three bowls your corn starch with natural seasoning, almonds, and eggs.
- Step 2: Coat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in corn starch on both sides. Transfer them to your egg mixture, and fully coat. Finally, transfer your breast to your almonds, on both sides.
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 385 Degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken tenders to your air fryer.
- Step 4: Spray with oil and cook your chicken for 12 minutes at 385 Or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve your crispy chicken breast and enjoy warm!
- Step 5: If oven baking Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment or a rack. Coat chicken tenders as above. Place on tray, mist lightly with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish with 1–2 minutes under the broiler for a golden finish.
💡Hint: Press the coating in firmly so it stays on and gets super crisp during cooking!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Space Them Out – Avoid crowding the air fryer basket so each piece crisps properly.
- Use a Thermometer – Hit that 165°F sweet spot without overcooking.
- Batch Cook & Freeze – Cripsy almond chicken breast freezes beautifully, raw or cooked!
💭 FAQs
Finely chopped or crushed raw almonds are ideal for creating a crunchy coating. Using a food processor can help achieve a consistent texture.
Yes, almond flour can be used as a substitute for a smoother crust. It provides a similar nutty flavor with a finer texture.
Dredge the chicken in cornstarch and seasonings, then dip it into beaten eggs before pressing it into the crushed almonds. Be sure to follow the steps in the correct order!
Yes! Almonds add heart-healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E. This recipe is high in protein, low glycemic, and totally satisfying—especially when baked or air fried.
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to revive that crispy texture.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite appetizers to serve with crusted chicken.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: – Hearty and herby.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – Sweet meets savory.
- Roasted Asparagus With Goat Cheese – More golden crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple – A little sweet, a little earthy.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – A creamy dip pairing.
🍽 More Super Easy Chicken Recipes
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Almond Crusted Chicken Air Fryer Or Oven Bakes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Almonds
- ½ Cup Cornstarch
- Natures Seasoning
- 2 Eggs Beaten
- 2 Chicken Breasts Fat Trimmed (Butterfly Your Breasts to Make 4 Thinner Breasts)
Instructions
- Add your almonds to a food processor. Pulverize your almonds to the size of crumbs.
- Separate into three bowls your corn-starch with natural seasoning, almonds, and eggs.
- Fully coat your boneless skinless chicken breasts in corn-starch on both sides.
- Transfer then to your egg mixture, fully coat.
- Finally, transfer your breast to your almonds, on both sides.
Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 385 Degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Transfer your almond crusted chicken tenders to your air fryer. Spray with oil and cook your chicken for 12 minutes at 385 Or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve your crispy chicken breast and enjoy!
Oven Baked Almond Crusted Chicken
- If oven baking Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment or a rack.
- Coat chicken tenders as above. Place on tray, mist lightly with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish with 1–2 minutes under the broiler for a golden finish.
Notes
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- Space Them Out – Avoid crowding the air fryer basket so each piece crisps properly.
-
- Use a Thermometer – Hit that 165°F sweet spot without overcooking.
-
- Batch Cook & Freeze – Almond Crusted Chicken Breast freezes beautifully, raw or cooked!
- To make into almond crusted chicken tenders, slice into strips and reduce the cook time slightly—around 9–10 minutes in the air fryer should do the trick!
Crispy, nutty, and packed with flavor—this air fryer almond-crusted chicken is a delightful twist on a classic! The almonds add a satisfying crunch that great for keto or gluten free diet.