How to Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

All you need are a few strategic ingredients and an air fryer to make crispy and delicious keto chicken nuggets. Just like non-keto homemade chicken nuggets, the flavor can be customized to your palate by adding your favorite seasonings.

The nuggets taste great on their own, or paired with a dipping sauce like keto-friendly ketchup or barbecue sauce. Need a side to go with your chicken nuggets? Choose an easy keto recipe like smoky cauliflower bites or roasted Parmesan carrots.

Key Ingredients in Keto Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken Tenders: When you purchase chicken tenders, they are already trimmed to a convenient size. Then all you have to do is cut them into three or four pieces each and you have the perfect size for nuggets.
• Almond Flour: This is made from finely ground almonds and makes a great keto-friendly breading.
• Parmesan Cheese: Make sure the Parmesan is freshly grated instead of shredded so it combines well with the almond flour and adheres to the chicken.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs will help the keto coating stick to the chicken nugget pieces.
• Seasonings: Here, we use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Feel free to get creative with seasoning and make the recipe your own.

Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds chicken tenders
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1: Cut the nuggets

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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cut each chicken tender into three or four pieces to create bite-sized nuggets.

Step 2: Prepare the coating

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Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl combine the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.

Step 3: Dredge the nuggets

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Dip each nugget, one at a time, into the beaten eggs, shaking off any excess. Dredge in the keto breading mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Make sure each nugget is completely coated on all sides. Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet until ready to cook.

Step 4: Air fry the nuggets

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Place the nuggets in the air-fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them. Depending on the size and shape of your air fryer, it might be necessary to cook in batches.

Spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray and cook for four minutes. Carefully flip each nugget and spray the other side with cooking spray. Cook an additional four minutes or until the coating is browned and the chicken is cooked through.

Editor’s Tip: Cooking times can vary depending on your particular appliance and the thickness of each nugget. Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°.

Sauces to Serve with Keto Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are wonderful when served with a variety of dipping sauces. Mustard, hot sauce and homemade mayonnaise are all keto-friendly sauces, or you can search for bottled keto versions of ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Keto Chicken Nugget Storage

Leftover nuggets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in the air fryer.

Tips for Making Keto Chicken Nuggets

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Can you use other cuts of chicken when making keto chicken nuggets?

While using chicken tenders is convenient, you can also make keto chicken nuggets from boneless, skinless chicken breast as well. First, cut into 1-inch strips, then slice into three or four pieces to create bite-sized nuggets. You could also cut nugget shapes from boneless, skinless chicken thighs, if you prefer.

How can you make sure your keto chicken nuggets are juicy?

The best way to ensure tender and juicy nuggets is to not overcook the chicken. Since these pieces are small, they brown and cook through quite quickly in the air fryer, about four minutes on each side. Just make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°.