Dairy-Free Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

Discover the ultimate recipe for Dairy-Free Crispy Air Fryer Chicken—perfectly golden, irresistibly crunchy, and completely free of dairy! This easy and healthier twist on classic fried chicken uses a tangy almond milk and apple cider vinegar "buttermilk" marinade to tenderize boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Coated in a seasoning-rich blend of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, each piece boasts a flavorful crunch with hints of paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a perfectly crispy texture with minimal oil, making this dish a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dairy-free crispy air fryer chicken is a game-changer your whole family will love. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside roasted veggies for a complete, crave-worthy meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0 cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix the unsweetened almond milk and apple cider vinegar to create a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces of chicken.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4

Place the panko bread crumbs in another shallow dish.

Step 5

Dip each piece of chicken into the almond milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 6

Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 7

Dip the flour-coated chicken back into the almond milk mixture, then press it into the panko bread crumbs, ensuring an even coat.

Step 8

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not overcrowding them.

Step 11

Spray the top of the chicken lightly with cooking spray to help it become crispy.

Step 12

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Step 13

Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, dairy-free air fryer chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(886.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1648.9

Total Fat 23.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 3595.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.7g
Protein 138.9g	0%

Vitamin D 91.3IU	0%
Calcium 727.6mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 1354.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.1%

Protein: 34.9%

Carbs: 52.0%