Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a chicken recipe that’s both crunchy, flavorful, and a little bit fancy yet easy enough for weeknights, this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I love this dish because it offers a beautiful balance of nutty crust and a sweet, tangy glaze that just elevates simple chicken breasts into something special. It’s one of those recipes you can whip up quickly but that impresses without a ton of fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, the coating was so perfectly crispy thanks to the air fryer, and the maple honey mustard drizzle gave it that extra pop of flavor that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. You’ll find that air frying keeps it lighter and less greasy, but still super satisfying — a total win especially if you’re looking to skip the deep fryer but don’t want to compromise on texture or taste. Trust me, this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe is worth trying whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for friends.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe plays a key role — from the crunchy pecans to the flavorful panko, plus the simple glaze that ties it all together. Here’s what to look out for when shopping!

• Chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for easy slicing and even cooking.
• Egg whites: They act as a sticky base that helps the pecan and breadcrumb coating cling beautifully.
• Pecans: Use raw pecans and pulse them in a food processor for a coarse chop—too fine and they’ll turn into butter!
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter than regular breadcrumbs and help make the crust extra crisp.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth so the crust isn’t just bland crunch.
• Kosher salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
• Olive oil spray: Just a little spritz keeps the coating crisp in the air fryer without excess oil.
• Honey mustard: Buy a quality brand or make your own for that sweet tang in your glaze.
• Maple syrup: Real maple syrup seals the deal on the glaze’s flavor and makes it extra special.

Variations

I love to tweak this Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to customize and make it your own!

• Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the pecan breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat that complements the sweet glaze.
• Gluten-free option: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep things crunchy without gluten.
• Herb boost: Mixing in chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the coating adds a lovely herbal aroma that’s irresistible.
• Alternative nuts: If you’re allergic to pecans, walnuts or almonds work great too and add their own character.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Coating

First things first, slice your chicken breasts into even pieces so they cook uniformly — I aim for about 4 slices per breast. While you do that, pulse your pecans in a food processor to get a coarse, crumbly texture. Then mix the chopped pecans with panko, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl. Having everything ready like this makes coating the chicken a breeze without missing a beat.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken slice first into the egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off. This is your glue! Then dredge them in the pecan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the crust sticks well. Don’t be shy about coating every nook and cranny — you want that nutty crunch all around.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crisp Perfection

Give your air fryer basket a light spray with olive oil so the coating doesn’t stick. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer—crowding leads to soggy spots. Cook at 370°F for about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through and spraying a little olive oil on top to help that golden crust develop evenly. I keep an eye out near the end — you want that perfect golden-brown color and the chicken fully cooked (internal temp around 165°F).

Step 4: Make the Maple Honey Mustard Glaze and Serve

While your chicken cooks, mix together honey mustard and maple syrup for a simple glaze that’s both sweet and tangy—this combo is a game-changer! Once the chicken is done, drizzle or brush the glaze on each piece immediately so it sticks deliciously to the warm crust. Serve right away to enjoy that satisfying sweet crunch.

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

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme — it adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of green freshness. Sometimes a few sliced scallions or a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup on the side amps up the presentation and flavor, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs so well with roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. For heartier sides, I’ve served it alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes, which perfectly complement the maple in the glaze. Steamed green beans or quinoa also make excellent partner dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I sometimes plate each chicken breast slice overlapped neatly on a slate platter, drizzle the glaze artistically across, and scatter toasted pecan halves around for extra texture and beauty. It’s simple but looks like a dish from a fancy restaurant—guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken stores best in an airtight container in the fridge and keeps for about 3 days. I like to line my container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture, which helps keep the crust from getting too soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken before, wrapped tightly in foil and then stored in freezer bags. It freezes well for up to a month, but I recommend freezing before glazing — adding the maple honey mustard after reheating keeps it fresh and tasty.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust, I reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes, just enough to warm through without drying. Then I drizzle fresh glaze on top before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fried Pecan Crusted Chicken with Maple Honey Mustard Recipe quickly became a favorite in my home because it’s so simple yet feels like a treat. It’s that perfect mix of crunchy, savory, and sweet that my family can’t get enough of—and I love how easy it is to pull together even on busy nights. I hope you give this one a try; it’s exactly the kind of recipe that feels comforting and special all at once, just like something a friend would share at the kitchen table. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and watch it become a staple in your rotation!

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