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The Ultimate Crispy Keto Chicken Parmesan (Oven Baked or Air Fryer)

Close-up of keto chicken parmesan cut in half showing the thick, moist white chicken breast and crispy crust topped with marinara and melted cheese.

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Make this satisfying, low-carb Chicken Parmesan with a perfectly crispy crust using almond flour and real Parmesan cheese. Bake it in the oven or use your air fryer for a quick, guilt-free Italian dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying or brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or the air fryer basket.
  2. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk the eggs. In the second dish, combine the almond flour, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
  3. Dip each pounded chicken breast first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  4. Next, press the chicken firmly into the almond flour mixture, coating both sides completely.
  5. Finally, press the coated chicken into the remaining plain Parmesan cheese for an extra crust layer.
  6. For Oven Baking: Place the crusted chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  7. For Air Frying: Lightly spray the crusted chicken with olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove the cooked chicken from the oven or air fryer. Top each breast with marinara sauce and then the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Return the chicken to the oven or air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve immediately. This low carb breaded chicken pairs well with zucchini noodles or a side salad.

Notes

  • For the crispiest texture when baking, place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats, then place the oiled chicken directly onto the hot sheet.
  • If you prefer a pan-fried crust before baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the crusted chicken for 2 minutes per side before topping and finishing in the oven.
  • Use a sugar-free marinara sauce to keep this recipe strictly keto.

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