Crispy Chicken Caesar Pita (Printable)

Air-fried crispy chicken meets classic Caesar flavors in soft pita pockets

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Crispy Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp paprika
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper
09 - Cooking spray

→ For the Caesar Salad

10 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
11 - ½ cup Caesar dressing
12 - ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
13 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Assembly

15 - 4 pita breads, warmed
16 - Extra Caesar dressing, for drizzling
17 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness).
02 - In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Arrange chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air-fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
05 - Meanwhile, toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
06 - Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Cut open to form pockets.
07 - Stuff each pita with Caesar salad and 2–3 chicken strips. Drizzle with extra Caesar dressing and add a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything you love about Caesar salad but with hot, crispy chicken and warm bread in every single bite
  • The air fryer makes the chicken perfectly golden without the mess of deep frying
  • These pitas are somehow elegant enough for dinner yet casual enough for eating while standing at the counter
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer or your chicken will steam instead of crisp, cook in batches if necessary
  • Letting excess buttermilk drip off before coating prevents soggy spots that never quite crisp up
  • Room temperature pitas stuff more easily without tearing, warm them right before assembling
03 -
  • Pat the buttermilk off gently rather than shaking vigorously to keep the coating adhering properly
  • Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan inside the pita before adding the salad for hidden flavor pockets
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