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Sesame-Crusted Air Fryer Keto Chicken Breast

Chicken breast pressed into an oiled sesame seed crust and air fried so the seeds toast and cling while the meat stays juicy.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts 8 to 10 oz each, pounded to 3/4 inch
  • 1 large egg or 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup white sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp black sesame seeds optional
  • 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil for the seed mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • spray oil

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Two bowls
  • Meat mallet
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even 3/4 inch. Beat the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Combine the sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oil until the seeds glisten.
  3. Dip the chicken in egg, then press firmly into the sesame mixture on both sides.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil the basket, lay the chicken in a single layer, and spritz the tops. Cook 7 to 9 minutes, flip and spritz, then 5 to 7 minutes more, to 160 to 162°F.
  5. Rest 3 to 4 minutes, then slice.

Notes

Oil in the seed mix promotes even browning and helps the crust stick.
Preheat so the crust sets fast before the seeds can bail.
Pull at 160 to 162°F and rest to 165°F.