Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe

I absolutely love how this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe turns out every single time — it’s crunchy, moist, and packed with flavor. If you’re like me, someone who adores a balance of sweet and savory, then this combination of crunchy pecans with that luscious maple honey mustard glaze will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a restaurant-quality meal on the table without fussing over greasy pans or long cooking times. Whenever I’m craving something special but still want to keep things on the lighter side, this recipe is my go-to. You’ll find that it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and works just as well when you need to impress guests without spending hours.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve kept this ingredient list simple but purposeful—the pecans and panko create that perfect crust, while the maple honey mustard glaze brings that irresistible sweet-savory punch. Here’s a quick insider tip: using egg whites keeps the breading light and helps it stick beautifully.

• Chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless breasts for even cooking and easy slicing.
• Egg whites: Helps the crust adhere without adding extra fat or heaviness.
• Pecans: I like to lightly toast mine before grinding to boost their nuttiness.
• Panko breadcrumbs: They give such a nice, light crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without overpowering the pecans.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while you keep it mild enough to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Olive oil spray: Keeps the chicken golden and crispy in the air fryer without deep frying.
• Honey mustard: Use your favorite jarred or homemade for that tangy base in the glaze.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the mustard’s tanginess.

Variations

I love that this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe is super adaptable. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, it’s easy to switch things up and still get fantastic results.

• Use different nuts: I once swapped pecans for walnuts and it gave a slightly earthier flavor that my husband loved.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crust mix adds a fun kick if you like heat.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a safe, crunchy alternative.
• Herb boost: Mixing in dried rosemary or thyme into the crust adds an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into 4 even slices—this helps them cook evenly and ensures each piece is just the right size for a crunchy crust. I like to pat them dry with paper towels first; removing moisture helps the coating stick better and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Step 2: Process the Pecans and Mix the Crust

Throw your pecans in a food processor and pulse until they’re broken down but still have some texture — think coarse crumbs, not nut butter. Then, mix them with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a shallow bowl. This combo gives you a nutty, crunchy coating that’s packed with flavor.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Pour the egg whites into another bowl and dip each chicken piece first into the egg whites, then into the pecan-panko mixture. Press gently to make sure the crust sticks well. This double-dip method is key to getting a perfectly crispy chicken—I’ve learned it’s worth the extra step!

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 370°F for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the chicken again—that second spray really helps maintain that golden crisp. When the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully browned, you’re ready for the final touch.

Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Maple Honey Mustard Glaze

Simply combine honey mustard with maple syrup in a small bowl and drizzle it over your crispy chicken. This glaze is what elevates the whole dish—it’s sweet and tangy without being overpowering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

How to Serve Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. It adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness that cuts through the richness of the crust and glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

My personal favorite sides to go with this chicken are roasted sweet potatoes, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed green beans tossed with a bit of garlic butter. These add balance and keep the meal light, which pairs beautifully with the nutty, sweet chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like serving the chicken sliced on a platter with small dipping bowls of extra maple honey mustard on the side. Adding some toasted pecans scattered around the plate makes it look elegant and inviting. It’s always a hit with guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pecan-crusted chicken is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it holds up great for up to 3 days without losing that crisp texture too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the coated, uncooked chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer bag — that way you can air fry them straight from frozen, just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy when reheating leftovers, I recommend popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes rather than using the microwave. It keeps that nutty crunch alive and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe is one of those dishes I’m always excited to share because it’s so straightforward yet feels special. I love that it combines wholesome ingredients with a gourmet touch, and I truly believe you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it. Give it a try—it’s a quick weeknight winner that never disappoints!

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