Keto Chicken Nuggets (Crispy, Juicy & Low-Carb)
These Keto Chicken Nuggets are golden, crispy, and packed with juicy flavor—without the carbs of traditional breaded nuggets. Made with simple ingredients and baked or air-fried for guilt-free crunch, they’re the perfect low-carb snack, appetizer, or kid-friendly dinner.
Crispy, juicy low-carb chicken nuggets coated in almond flour and parmesan. These Keto Chicken Nuggets are easy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving as a healthy low-carb dinner the whole family will love.
If you’ve been craving crispy chicken nuggets on keto, this recipe will change everything.
They’re easy, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, snacking, lunchboxes, or dipping into your favorite sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy: Almond flour + parmesan creates a crunchy crust.
- Kid & Adult Approved: Tastes like classic nuggets but healthier.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep time.
- Bake or Air Fry: Both methods turn out perfectly crispy.
- High Protein: Perfect for low-carb dinners or snacks.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store well and reheat beautifully.
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- For the Breading
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
- For Dipping
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Ranch
- Spicy mayo
- Mustard
- Optional Add-Ins
- Crushed pork rinds for extra crunch
- Hot sauce marinade
- Coconut flour light dusting to help coating stick
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and cut into evenly sized pieces.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Toss well to coat.
- Make the Breading
- Combine almond flour, parmesan, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Mix until evenly blended.
- Coat the Nuggets
- Dip chicken pieces into the breading mixture.
- Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Arrange nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Bake or Air Fry
- To Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To Air Fry:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking once halfway.
- Nuggets should be golden, crispy, and fully cooked.
- Serve
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for an easy, satisfying low-carb meal.
Nabeela’s Pro Tips
1. Pat the chicken completely dry
Extra moisture prevents the coating from sticking. Dry chicken pieces create a crispier crust and help the almond flour coating cling perfectly.
2. Use finely grated parmesan
The finer the parmesan, the crispier the nuggets. Coarse shreds won’t bond as well, but powdered-style parmesan gives that golden crunchy finish.
3. Press the breading onto the chicken
Instead of lightly dusting, press the almond flour mixture firmly onto each nugget. This keeps the coating from falling off during baking or air frying.
4. Air fry for maximum crispiness
Both methods work, but air frying gives the crunchiest texture with the least oil—and it mimics classic fried nuggets without deep frying.
5. Don’t overcrowd the tray
Spread the nuggets out so the heat circulates properly. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
6. Add crushed pork rinds for extra crunch
If you want a “fried chicken” texture, replace half the almond flour with crushed pork rinds. This keeps carbs low but boosts crunch dramatically.
7. Serve with sugar-free dips
Keto-friendly ranch, spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or sugar-free ketchup pair perfectly with these nuggets.
FAQs
1. Can I make Keto Chicken Nuggets ahead of time?
Yes! These nuggets are perfect for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy again.
2. Can I freeze Keto Chicken Nuggets?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked or cooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 400°F—just add 3–5 extra minutes.
3. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Dry chicken thoroughly and press the coating firmly onto each piece. If needed, lightly dust chicken with coconut flour before breading to help it stick.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs make juicier, more flavorful nuggets. Just cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
