Air Fryer Keto Chicken Parm Bites

Air Fryer Keto Chicken Parm Bites offer a low-carb twist on classic chicken parmesan, swapping traditional breadcrumbs for a crunchy blend of almond flour and real parmesan cheese. Bite-sized pieces of chicken breast are air fried until golden and juicy, then finished with sugar-free marinara and melty mozzarella for all the cheesy comfort without the carb load. With bold Italian herbs, a crisp exterior, and tender centers, these easy air fryer bites are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing keto appetizer.

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword air fryer, chicken bites, chicken parmesan, gluten free, keto, low-carb

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 410kcal

Equipment

air fryer
Mixing Bowls
Tongs
Shallow dish
Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

For the chicken bites

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup blanched finely ground almond flour
3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese prefer freshly grated, not shelf-stable shaker cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for spraying or brushing the air fryer basket and chicken

For topping and serving

1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup sugar-free marinara sauce look for a brand with no added sugar
2 tablespoons fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, chopped optional, for garnish
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken and coating.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and set them aside in a bowl so the coating adheres well.
In a shallow dish whisk the eggs until smooth and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
In a separate shallow bowl combine the almond flour, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until evenly blended.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg to coat, letting any excess drip off, then press it into the almond flour parmesan mixture until fully covered, gently pressing the coating on all sides.
Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining chicken, letting them rest for a few minutes so the coating adheres.
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to help prevent sticking and promote browning.
Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece so air can circulate freely.
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the chicken bites with the remaining oil to help them crisp and brown in the air fryer.
Air fry the chicken bites at 390°F for 7 to 8 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
While the chicken finishes cooking, warm the sugar-free marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through.
When the chicken is cooked through, top each bite with a small pinch of shredded mozzarella, close the air fryer basket, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Transfer the cheesy chicken parm bites to a serving platter, spoon or drizzle some of the warm marinara over or alongside for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
Serve the chicken parm bites hot with extra sugar-free marinara on the side and pair with zucchini noodles, a simple salad, or sautéed greens for a complete keto meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook the chicken bites in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam. If your almond flour is coarse, pulse it in a food processor for a finer texture that mimics traditional breadcrumbs more closely. Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for richer flavor and added fat, just trim and cut them into similar sized pieces for even cooking. To meal prep, cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F until warmed through and crisp, adding fresh mozzarella only at the end if desired. Always confirm the nutrition of your marinara and cheese choices, since carb counts can vary widely between brands.

Nutrition