• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kicking Carbs

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Keto Quick Start Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Wendy Polisi
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Me
  • Keto & Low Carb Recipes
  • Keto Chaffles
  • Keto Recipes for the Low Carb Lifestyle
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • ×

    Home » Chicken Recipes » Keto Chicken Nuggets  - Fried or Air Fryer

    Keto Chicken Nuggets  - Fried or Air Fryer

    Published: May 16, 2022 by Wendy Polisi Modified: May 13, 2022 · 1309 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Two photos of chicken nuggets with the text keto chicken nuggets in the middle.

    For some crispy goodness on your keto diet, look no further than these Keto chicken nuggets!  Enjoy all the flavor of nuggets from your favorite fast-food restaurant while staying true to your low-carb diet.  With a crispy parmesan almond flour breading, these nuggets are a hit with kids and adults alike.

    Overheat photo of a plate of keto chicken nuggets with a small dish of ketchup on a blue and white napkin.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Making Low Carb Chicken Nuggets
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Sides for Chicken Nuggets
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tools Needed to Make Keto Nuggets
    • Storage
    • How to Make Keto Chicken Nuggets
    • Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!
    • More Keto Chicken Recipes
    • Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!
    • Keto Chicken Nuggets

    When looking for a simple family dinner, chicken nuggets are always a good bet.

    These tender keto nuggets are dinnertime perfection!

    Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them plain.  

    Either way, you'll love the crispy texture and juicy chicken flavor in every bite.  

    This recipe is quick to make so that you can enjoy low-carb chicken nuggets any night of the week.

    Easy keto recipes don’t get any more family-friendly than this.

    Ingredients for Making Low Carb Chicken Nuggets

    Overheat photo of cubed chicken, a bowl of almond flour, parmesan and seasonings, a bowl of 2 eggs, and a measuring cup of pickle juice.
    • ​Chicken:   You can use chicken thighs for this keto chicken nuggets recipe, but I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts.
    • Dill pickle juice: This is used to marinate the chicken and gives it a delicious dill flavor. You can find sugar-free dill pickle juice at most grocery stores (I love Bubbies brand.)
    • Almond flour: This is used to coat the chicken and gives it a crispy texture - it is the perfect solution for making keto fried chicken without pork rinds. Make sure you use super-fine almond flour.
    • Parmesan cheese: This is also used to coat the chicken and adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
    • Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper: These seasonings are added to the almond flour coating and give the chicken nuggets a delicious flavor. Want to mix up the flavor?  Onion powder and smoked paprika are great options.
    • Eggs: Eggs help the almond flour coating stick to the chicken.
    • Avocado oil: Avocado oil is perfect for cooking the chicken nuggets. You can use any type of oil, but I prefer avocado oil because it has a high smoke point and doesn't add any unwanted flavors.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Tips & Tricks

    • Don’t use coconut flour in place of the almond flour.  Coconut flour absorbs moisture, and in this recipe, it will result in dry nuggets. (If you are looking for coconut flavored chicken, try this Keto Coconut Chicken.)
    • If you are making keto chicken nuggets in the air fryer, I recommend using air fryer liners if you have any issues with sticking.  (Different models respond differently - you may not need them.)

    Sides for Chicken Nuggets

    Some excellent side dishes for nuggets include coleslaw, cauliflower potato salad, and keto loaded cauliflower.

    Keto Chicken Dippers

    You can’t have nuggets without sauce!  Some great options include Keto Honey Mustard, Keto Ranch Dressing, and Keto Blue Cheese.
    Craving something cheesy?  You can’t go wrong with this keto cheese sauce!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are chicken nuggets keto?


    Traditional chicken nuggets are typically breaded and fried, which means they're high in carbs and not ideal for a keto diet. However, there are plenty of keto-friendly chicken nugget recipes that use low-carb ingredients like almond flour and cheese instead of breading.  (Like this one!)

    What kind of oil do you use to make keto chicken nuggets?


    Whether air frying or pan-frying, the oil you choose is vital to keeping this recipe keto. 

    I recommend using avocado oil, because it is the keto-friendly oil with the highest smoke point.   It’s high in monounsaturated fat, which makes it a healthy option.

    Coconut oil and olive oil (not extra-virgin) may also be used.

    Do homemade fried chicken nuggets freeze?


    Fried chicken nuggets freeze just as well as store-bought ones. 

    To Freeze: Place cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.   Freeze for an hour or until solid. Once frozen, transfer nuggets to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or air fryer.

    Tools Needed to Make Keto Nuggets

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales.

    • Air Fryer or Large Deep Skillet
    • Shallow Breading Dishes or bowl
    • Instant Read Thermometer
    • Parchment Paper

    Storage

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Freeze properly wrapped leftovers for up to three months.

    How to Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

    Prepping the Chicken

    First, start by cutting the chicken into cubes.

    Combine the cubed chicken with the dill pickle juice in a shallow dish.

    Pickle juice being poured on top of a bowl of chicken cubes.
    Overhead photo of chicken cubes in a shallow bowl with pickle juice poured on top of them.

    Refrigerate for an hour.

    While the chicken brines, make the low-carb breading by combining the almond flour, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a dish.

    Beat the eggs together in a separate bowl or dish.

    Remove the chicken from the brine and drain off any excess.

    Photo of a seasoned almond flour parmesan mixture that has been whisked together in a shallow bowl.
    Photo of cubed chicken that is been brined sitting on a paper towel lined plate.

    Dip the chicken into the eggs and then coat with the almond flour mixture.

    Use your hands to press the mixture into the chicken.  Transfer to a parchment lined baking tray or plate while you bred the remainder of the keto friendly nuggets.

    Photo of cubed chicken being dipped in egg.
    Photo of cubed chicken coated in a parmesan almond flour mixture.

    Fried Low Carb Chicken Nuggets

    Heat your oil in a skillet to 375° F.  (If using a deep fryer, fill it with oil and set the temperature to 375 ​° F.)

    Once you have hot oil, fry for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once until the exterior is golden brown and the interior is about 160° F.

    Drain on paper towels and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
      Built with ConvertKit

      Air Fryer Keto Chicken Nuggets

      The first step to creating a crispy exterior when air frying is to preheat your air fryer.

      Spray both sides of the nuggets oil.

      If desired, add an air fryer liner to your air fryer basket and then immediately add the nuggets.  (Don’t add the liner while preheating - the fan of the air fryer will blow it up to the heating element.)

      Cook until the outsides are crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken is 160° F, about 12 minutes.

      Rest for 5 minutes and then serve.

      More Keto Chicken Recipes

      • Are you looking for more low-carb crispy chicken goodness?  You will love this Keto Coconut Chicken.
      • Keep your summertime grilling simple but delicious with this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken.
      • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are simple, delicious, and something that the whole family will love.
      • Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash is an easy-to-make casserole that is always a hit.
      • Looking for a little global flavor thrill?  Don’t miss this Keto Pad Thai!
      • Want to enjoy all the crispiness of these keto chicken bites with bone-in chicken?  Don’t miss this keto fried chicken recipe.
      Close up overhead photo of a plate of chicken nuggets with a small dish of ketchup.

      Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!

        We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
        Built with ConvertKit
        If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
        Square photo of a rustic plate of keto chicken nuggets sitting on top of a blue and white napkin.
        Print Recipe

        Keto Chicken Nuggets

        If you're looking for a fun and easy keto meal, look no further than these delicious low-carb chicken nuggets! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they're perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
        Prep Time15 mins
        Cook Time11 mins
        Total Time26 mins
        Course: Main
        Cuisine: American
        Keyword: air fryer
        Servings: 4
        Calories: 318.46kcal
        Author: Wendy Polisi
        As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

        Equipment

        • Air Fryer optional

        Ingredients

        • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
        • ½ cup dill pickle juice sugar-free and zero carb such as Bubbies
        • ½ cup super-fine almond flour
        • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
        • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
        • 1 teaspoon sea salt
        • ½ teaspoon black pepper
        • 2 eggs
        • Avocado oil for cooking

        Instructions

        • Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
        • Combine the chicken and dill pickle juice in a shallow dish.
        • Refrigerate for one hour.
        • While the chicken is marinating, combine the almond flour, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
        • In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs together.
        • Remove the chicken from the brine and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
        • Dip the chicken in the eggs and then coat with the almond flour mixture and use your hands to press the mixture into the chicken.
        • Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.

        Stovetop:

        • Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet to 375 degrees.
        • Fry for about 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown. (The internal temperature should be 160° F.)
        • Drain on paper towels and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving

        Air Fryer:

        • Heat your air fryer to 375° F.
        • Spray both sides of the nuggets with oil.
        • Add a air fryer liner to the basket if desired, and then add the nuggets in a single layer. (Cook in batches if necessary.)
        • Cook for 11 - 13 minutes, flipping half way through until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
        • Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

        Nutrition

        Calories: 318.46kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.92g | Protein: 35.1g | Fat: 17.14g | Saturated Fat: 4.54g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.42g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 164.16mg | Sodium: 887.88mg | Potassium: 498.81mg | Fiber: 1.68g | Sugar: 0.62g | Vitamin A: 228.29IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 160.54mg | Iron: 1.7mg
        « Mouth-Watering Air Fryer Short Ribs Recipe
        Keto Cabbage Noodles - An Easy Low Carb Pasta Alternative! »

        Reader Interactions

        Leave a Reply Cancel reply

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        Recipe Rating




        Primary Sidebar

        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • Pinterest
        • Twitter

        Welcome

        I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

        Favorites

        Overhead photo of Keto Fried Pickles on parchment paper garnished with parsley with a small white bowl of ranch dressing next to it.
        Photo of a spoonful of Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole being pulled from the casserole dish.
        Overhead photo of three small white dishes of Keto Chicken Pot Pie sitting on a wooden background and a white napkin.
        Overhead photo of a large skilled of Keto Beef Stroganoff garnished with fresh thyme and mushrooms.
        Photo of a Keto Reuben Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white cutting board.
        Square photo of keto cheeseburger casserole.

        More Posts from this Category

        Footer

        Privacy Policy

        Affiliate Disclosure

        Disclaimer

        Welcome to the Kicking Carbs website (“site“). Wendy Polisi is not a health professional and information on this blog, arising from this blog, or social media related to this blog is only her personal experience and opinions. You should always check with your health care provider before beginning any diet, health plan, or lifestyle change.

        Copyright © 2023 Kicking Carbs 2020