This Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe takes your basic chicken breasts, adds a few simple ingredients, and creates a meal that the whole family will love. Using a simple pecan mixture, this is an easy pecan chicken recipe that you will come back to again and again.

overhead: sliced pecan crusted chicken on salad with dijon vinagrette
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Pecan Crusted Chicken

Do you love the crispy, crunchy texture of a good chicken crust but hate how unhealthy it can be? Well, have no fear because you can create a delicious, healthy chicken crust with your air fryer that will satisfy your cravings!

Pecan Crusted Chicken can be served as part of the main course or as an appetizer at your next party. I especially like to whip up a quick dressing and serve it over a salad. No matter how you serve it, this pecan crusted chicken recipe will surely be a hit with your guests!

Give this pecan chicken recipe a try next time you’re ready for something crispy. There is nothing better than a simple and delicious meal! And if you’ve been looking for more chicken dinner recipes that can be made in the air fryer, try AIR FRYER CHICKEN ADOBO, AIR FRYER CHICKEN PESTO SLIDERS, AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE, and AIR FRYER CHICKEN CORDON BLEU.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe

  • Simple ingredients
  • Versatile for different meals
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Kid-friendly

Watch How To Cook Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan Chicken Recipe Ingredients

This is one of my favorite recipes! You’ll be surprised how juicy the chicken is while the coating remains nice and crunchy. Even the pickiest of eaters in my home get excited when they see air fryer pecan crusted chicken on the menu.

ingredients needed for pecan crusted chicken breasts

Even better? The ingredients are ones I already have in my cupboard, and the cooking time is around 10 minutes. Here is everything you need:  

  • Chicken Pieces: Try boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or use chicken cutlets and tenderloins to make crispy tenders.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  • Egg Wash
  • Crunchy Pecans: Start with whole or pecan pieces, then chop them up into tiny pieces to make the coating. Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios would be tasty too.

If you want to make the salad as shown in the video and images, you’ll also need:

  • Baby Spinach: Feel free to swap in spring mix or your favorite greens.
  • Mandarin Oranges: Use canned and drain well.
  • Dressing: A tangy blend of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, minced garlic, canola oil, and salt.

How to Make Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

This pecan chicken recipe is so simple, that it is only 3 steps! Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or a meal for one, it’s low effort and ready in a flash!

seasoned chicken breasts in shallow blue bowl

Step 1: Prepare egg and seasonings

Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk well. In a separate small bowl, combine the seasonings.

Step 2: Coat chicken

Pat chicken dry and coat both sides with seasonings. Then, dip into whisked eggs and let the excess drip off.

Sprinkle chopped pecans all over chicken breasts and press them onto the surface.

two pecan crusted chicken breasts in air fryer basket

Step 3: Air fry chicken

Place pecan crusted chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370 degrees F for 8 to 12 minutes.

You shouldn’t need to flip it, but do so carefully if you do so the pecans don’t fall off.

close up: sliced chicken coated in pecans on bed of spinach with mandarin oranges

Pro Tips:

This recipe is super easy — that’s why I love it! Here are a few tips and tricks I have picked up after making pecan crusted chicken breast so often these past few years.

  • Crushing Pecans: Pulse the nuts in a food processor or place them in a Ziploc bag and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Leave them a bit chunky or grind smaller for a more even, fine crust.
  • Pat Chicken Dry: Use a paper towel and dry the chicken before coating it with the egg mixture. This will help all ingredients stick better to the surface.
  • Easy Clean Up: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use tin foil on the bottom of the basket.
  • Shake and Bake: One the chicken is dipped in the egg, place it in a freezer bag with the crushed pecans and give it a good shake. This is one of the best ways to ensure an even coating.
  • Let It Rest: Let air fryer pecan crusted chicken sit for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This ensures that every bite is as juicy as the last!
  • Use an Instant Read Thermometer: Poultry is considered safe to eat when it reaches 165 degrees F internally. An instant read thermometer will give you quick, accurate results.

Serving Suggestions

For a quick dinner, I love to serve pecan crusted chicken breast with a side of Air Fryer Asparagus or my favorite Butternut Squash Fries.

It’s also delicious on a salad, as you can see from the photos and video. Slice the chicken and serve on a bed of baby spinach with canned mandarin oranges. Add your favorite dressing — I like a tangy Dijon vinaigrette!

Can I Make This Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe in the Oven?

Yes — in fact, that’s your best option if you need to make a lot of servings.

First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then set a wire rack inside of it. Prepare the chicken breasts as directed, then place them on the wire rack. This ensures they crisp on all sides without needing to be flipped.

Bake pecan crusted chicken in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. As always, check that the internal temperature has reached a safe 165 degrees F.

Storing and Reheating

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. To prevent the crispy coating from becoming soggy, a shallow dish in a single layer is best. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, wrap each pecan crusted chicken breast in foil before storing. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer for best results — about 5 minutes at 350 degrees F should do it!

Can I Use Any Type of Chicken for This Recipe?

Boneless, skinless breasts are the best choice when using a rough coating like chopped pecans because of their consistent size and thickness.

You could also use boneless, skinless thigh meat, but stay away from other cuts — especially drumsticks.

How Do I Prevent the Pecan Crust From Burning?

A light coating of cooking spray or oil can prevent excessive browning. We’re also cooking the chicken at a lower temperature to ensure the pecan coating doesn’t burn.

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken?

Choose something tangy or sweet to contrast the earthy flavor of the nuts and seasonings.

My top choices are Dijon mustard or a honey mustard blend. Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce would be a winner too!

Are There Any Substitutes for Food Allergies?

Whenever you are serving a meal, it is important to keep different food restrictions in mind so that everyone can enjoy the food together. Here are a few options to substitute certain ingredients so the entire family can enjoy this yummy chicken meal. 

For nut allergies: Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with extra seasoning. Crushed pork rinds are also tasty and a great option for a keto diet.

For egg allergies: Aquafaba is the best substitute for this pecan crusted chicken recipe. It’s simply the liquid that canned chickpeas are stored in!

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Looking for a chicken recipe that you can cook in your Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, GoWise, Corsori, or PowerXL? Here are some of my favorites!

Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

This Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe takes your basic chicken breasts, adds a few simple ingredients, and creates a meal that the whole family will love. Using a simple honey pecan mixture, this is an easy pecan chicken recipe that you will come back to again and again.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into chicken breast, or tenderloins
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup pecans, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Layout your chicken onto a cutting board.
  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Season your chicken generously.
  • Beat the eggs and place in a shallow bowl for dredging.
  • Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, then press the diced pecans onto the chicken breast. Use your hands to really push down the pecans.
  • Place the chicken into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 370 degrees F, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 713mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 42IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken