Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken is a sweet and savory dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with a crunchy walnut-maple glaze and cooked alongside tender Brussels sprouts, apples, and sweet potatoes. It’s an easy, flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknights or fall-inspired dinners!
Sweet, savory, and full of crunch—this Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken is a flavor-packed twist on your weeknight dinner routine! 🍁🥜
Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy walnut crust and drizzled with warm maple syrup, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
It’s a deliciously easy meal that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes!
💛 5 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- 🍁 Sweet and savory combo – Maple syrup and walnuts are a match made in heaven.
- 🌪️ Air fryer convenience – Crispy results without deep frying.
- 🐔 Juicy, tender chicken – Perfectly cooked every time.
- 🥜 Crunchy walnut coating – Adds texture and nutty flavor.
- ⏱️ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients Needed
- Diced sweet potatoes 🍠 – Tender, naturally sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped small.
- Halved Brussels sprouts 🥦 – Fresh green sprouts trimmed and sliced in half.
- Diced Honeycrisp apples 🍎 – Juicy, crisp apples for a hint of sweetness.
- Boneless chicken breasts 🍗 – Lean, protein-packed chicken, trimmed and ready to cook.
- Olive oil 🫒 – Heart-healthy oil for roasting and flavor.
- Garlic salt 🧄🧂 – Savory seasoning blend for bold, easy flavor.
- Chopped walnuts 🥜 – Crunchy chopped nuts for sweet, nutty texture.
- Dijon mustard 🌿 – Tangy mustard adds sharp, rich flavor.
- Maple syrup 🍁 – Natural sweetness to balance savory elements.
- Paprika 🌶️ – Adds mild heat and smoky depth.
- Salt and pepper 🧂 – Classic seasoning to taste and balance.
How To Make Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F.
Step 2: Chop the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Toss the veggies and apples with olive oil and garlic salt, then place them in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the vegetables in the basket.
Step 5: Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: While the chicken is cooking, mix together the walnut topping ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 7: In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, spread the walnut mixture over the chicken breasts.
Step 8: Finish cooking, then serve hot with the roasted veggies and fruit. 🍁🥜🍗
🔥 Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken Recipe Tips with Emojis
- 🥄 Use thin chicken breasts for quicker, more even cooking.
- 🍎 Dice apples and veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- 🌡️ Check the chicken’s internal temp—165°F ensures it’s fully cooked.
- 🥜 Add walnut topping at the end to avoid burning the nuts.
- 🧼 Line the basket with parchment for easier cleanup and less mess!
Storing
- 🧊 Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 🍗🥦 Let everything cool completely before sealing.
- ❄️ Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without the walnut topping) for up to 2 months. 🥶 Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
- 🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to bring back the crispiness. ♨️ Add fresh walnut topping just before reheating for best texture.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken Recipe
Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that balance its sweet and savory flavor. Try serving it over a bed of wild rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the maple glaze. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted green beans adds freshness to the plate. For something heartier, a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls makes a perfect companion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, these sides will round out the meal deliciously.
Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer.
What can I use instead of walnuts? You can substitute with pecans or almonds for a similar crunch and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the veggies and walnut topping in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before cooking.
Will the maple syrup make it too sweet? Nope! The Dijon and paprika balance the sweetness perfectly for a rich, savory flavor.
Do I need to flip the chicken while air frying? Not usually, but if your air fryer runs hot on one side, a quick flip halfway through can help even browning.
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Air Fryer Maple Walnut Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
- 3 cups brussels sprouts, diced
- 2 large apples, diced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, about 8 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Walnut Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 4 tablespoons dijon
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Dice the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples, then toss them with olive oil and garlic salt. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on top of the veggies and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, stir together the walnut topping ingredients in a small bowl. During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, spread the walnut mixture over the chicken and finish cooking until golden and caramelized.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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