Healthy Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken

(5.0)
By Jessica Kielman
Updated 10/17/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Healthy Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This Heart Healthy Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crispy and nutty dinner that’s perfect for any heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly diet. Made with lean chicken breasts, crunchy pecans, and gluten-free panko, it’s a low-carb, high-protein option ready in just 30 minutes. For an extra golden-brown crust, be sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Don't have an air fryer? You can easily make Pecan Crusted Chicken in your oven!

Looking for more healthy options? Check out our collection of heart healthy air fryer recipes.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
358

What Makes This Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Healthy

This recipe is a heart-healthy choice because it uses the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil. It relies on the natural, healthy fats from pecans and lean protein from chicken breast to create a satisfying and well-balanced meal that is low in sodium and saturated fat.

Key Health Highlights

  • Lean Protein Power: Packs 32 grams of protein per serving to help keep you full and satisfied.
  • Low in Sodium: Contains only 198 mg of sodium, making it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet.
  • Healthy Fats: Features pecans, which provide beneficial monounsaturated fats.
  • Low Saturated Fat: With just 2 grams of saturated fat per serving, it aligns with heart-healthy eating guidelines.
  • Diabetic-Friendly: This recipe has 18 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber per serving.

FAQs About Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken

The key is a three-step process. First, pat the chicken dry. Second, dip it in a binder like the egg white mixture in this recipe. Third, press the pecan crust firmly onto the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure hot air circulates and crisps the coating instead of steaming it off.

Yes, when prepared thoughtfully. This air-fried version is healthy because it uses very little oil, relies on heart-healthy fats from pecans, and is made with lean chicken breast. It is also low in sodium and suitable for several dietary needs.

Absolutely. The air fryer works like a small, high-powered convection oven and is perfectly safe for cooking raw chicken and other meats. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

More Healthy Air Fryer Main Dishes

Air Fryer Chicken Dinners

If you enjoyed this crispy pecan-crusted chicken, you'll love these other healthy main courses made right in your air fryer. Each healthy chicken recipe uses the power of circulating hot air to create delicious, satisfying meals with less oil and hassle.

What to Serve with You Air Fryer Chicken

Healthy Side Dishes

Since your air fryer is already warmed up, why not make a delicious side to complete your meal? These quick, easy, and healthy air fryer side dishes are a perfect way to round out your dinner with minimal extra effort.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

  2. Step 2

    Halve chicken breasts and pound with a mallet.

  3. Step 3

    In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites, cornstarch and lemon juice. Pour into a shallow dish for dipping chicken.

  4. Step 4

    In another medium bowl, combine all crust mixture ingredients (bread crumbs and seasonings).

  5. Step 5

    Dip pounded chicken in egg white mixture, and then dredge in crust mixture.

  6. Step 6

    Lightly grease the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken in air fryer and cook for 14 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking time.

  7. Step 7

    Remove from air fryer and allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
4 oz chicken

358
Calories
18
g
Fat
66
mg
Cholesterol
198
mg
Sodium
18
g
Carbs
2
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
32
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Instructions

If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily bake this chicken in a conventional oven.

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or sweet potato cubes. For a dipping sauce, try a simple mix of Dijon mustard and honey.
  • Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until it's hot and the crust is crispy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe works well with chicken tenders. Reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

For a lower-carb option, you can omit the panko breadcrumbs and use an additional ½ cup of finely chopped pecans.

If you need an egg-free option, you can use plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise as a binder for the crust.

Try More Heart Healthy Air Fryer Recipes