Gluten-Free Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Prep: 10 minCook: 12 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins with Almond Flour Coating

Crispy, golden chicken tenderloins coated in seasoned almond flour and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This keto-friendly recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior in just 12 minutes. The almond flour coating provides excellent texture while keeping carbs low, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder for savory flavor.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
    chicken thighs1:1budget

    juicier result

  • 1 cup almond flour
    coconut flour1:0.5ketogluten-free

    reduces carbs further

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
    milk1:1standard

    standard coating

    Full guide →
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat air fryer

  2. 2

    Combine almond flour with all seasonings in shallow dish

  3. 3

    Whisk egg and heavy cream together until well combined

  4. 4

    Dip each tenderloin into egg mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour mixture for even coating

  5. 5

    Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray

  6. 6

    Arrange coated tenderloins in single layer without touching

  7. 7

    Cook, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through

  8. 8

    Serve immediately

Tips

Tip 1

Pat chicken dry before coating for better adhesion and crispier results.

Tip 2

Don't overcrowd the basket - cook in batches if needed for even browning.

Tip 3

Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container.

Make Ahead

Can bread chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking.

Serve With

Best served immediately while coating is crispy and chicken is hot.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip preheating to avoid uneven cooking.

Watch

Avoid overcrowding basket to prevent steaming instead of crisping.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

almond flour
coconut flour1:0.5ketogluten-free

reduces carbs further

Full guide →

General Alternatives

heavy cream
milk1:1standard

standard coating

Full guide →
chicken tenderloins
chicken thighs1:1budget

juicier result

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, but it won't be keto-friendly. Use same amount of all-purpose flour for similar coating thickness.

What if my chicken isn't golden after 12 minutes?

Cook 2-3 minutes longer, checking every minute. Air fryer models vary in heating intensity and circulation.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.