These keto chicken tenders get a savory almond-flour and Parmesan crust without panko. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then cook the tenders for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re an easy choice for a weeknight dinner or a snack with your favorite low-carb dip. Use a thermometer rather than the color of the crust to tell when the chicken is done.
Ingredients
For four servings, gather 1 pound of raw, boneless chicken tenders, ½ cup superfine almond flour, ½ cup finely grated Parmesan, and 1 large egg. Season the coating with 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. You’ll also need 2 teaspoons olive oil to help the crust brown. Finely grated Parmesan mixes more evenly with the almond flour than large shreds.
How To Make It
- Preheat the empty air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; don’t rinse it.
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, stir together the almond flour, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Dip each tender into the egg, let the excess drip off, then press it into the almond-Parmesan mixture on both sides. Keep the coating fairly thin so it stays attached. Brush the coated tenders lightly with the olive oil.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if they won’t fit without overlapping. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, gently flipping halfway through. Start checking near 10 minutes; thicker pieces may need longer.
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a tender. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the air fryer. Let it sit for 2 minutes to help the crust set, then serve.
Tips
Handle the tenders gently when flipping: almond flour and Parmesan make a tasty crust, but it can be more delicate than a breadcrumb coating. If the tops look pale at the halfway point, brush on any remaining measured oil after the flip. Check each batch for doneness, since basket size, tender thickness, and air fryer models can change the cooking time.
Keep the basket free of loose parchment or liners, especially during preheating. For serving, try these tenders alongside a crunchy salad or sliced vegetables; check the label if choosing a prepared dip for a keto meal.
Enjoy them hot while the cheesy crust is crisp.
