Crispy Keto Chicken Nuggets: A Guilt-Free Favorite You’ll Love

If you're anything like me, chicken nuggets have always had a special place in your heart — and your freezer. But when you’re living that keto life, those drive-thru breaded bites just don’t fit into the plan. Good news, friend: you don’t have to give them up!

These keto chicken nuggets are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and totally guilt-free. Plus, they’re kid-approved, meal prep friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love These Keto Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets check every box:

• ✅ Low carb and high in protein

• ✅ Grain-free and gluten-free

• ✅ Crispy without deep frying

• ✅ Perfect for dipping (hello, sugar-free sauces!)

• ✅ Loved by picky eaters AND keto foodies

Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something crispy and nostalgic, this recipe fits right into your keto goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for your nuggets:

Chicken Nuggets:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp heavy cream

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Keto Breading:

• ¾ cup almond flour

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: crushed pork rinds for extra crunch

Cooking Options:

• Air fryer

• Oven

• Pan-fried with avocado oil

  How to Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

1. Prep Your Chicken

Trim and cut your chicken into nugget-sized pieces. Try to keep the sizes even for consistent cooking.

2. Whisk the Egg Wash

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix the Coating

In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan, smoked paprika, cayenne, and seasoning. If you want extra crunch, add a few tablespoons of crushed pork rinds.

4. Dip & Coat

Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, then roll in the dry coating. Press gently to help it stick.

5. Choose Your Cooking Method

Air Fryer:

• Preheat to 400°F.

• Spray basket with oil.

• Cook nuggets in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Oven:

• Preheat to 425°F.

• Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray with oil.

• Bake 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pan-Fried:

• Heat a skillet with 2–3 tbsp of avocado oil.

• Cook nuggets over medium heat, 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 Nuggets)

• Calories: 210

• Fat: 14g

• Protein: 21g

• Net Carbs: 2g

Note: Based on almond flour and parmesan combo. Values may vary with breading method.

Dipping Sauces That Won’t Break Keto

What’s a nugget without a good dip? Here are a few keto-friendly options:

• Sugar-Free Ketchup

• Avocado Ranch

• Spicy Mustard

• Homemade Buffalo Sauce (butter + hot sauce)

• Garlic Aioli

Make It a Meal

Pair these nuggets with:

• Zucchini fries

• Cauliflower mash

• A simple side salad

• Keto coleslaw

• Roasted green beans

Or toss them in a low-carb wrap with lettuce and cheese for a quick keto chicken wrap!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Meal Prep:

Make a big batch and store uncooked nuggets in the fridge for up to 2 days — or freeze them raw for future use.

Reheating:

Pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. They'll stay crisp — no soggy microwave reheats here!

Freezer Instructions:

Flash freeze the coated nuggets on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months. Cook straight from frozen (just add a couple extra minutes).

Tips for Perfect Keto Nuggets Every Time

• Don't skip the seasoning! Even though you're low-carb, flavor matters.

• Use dark meat for extra juiciness. Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts.

• Want them extra crispy? Add crushed pork rinds to your coating.

• Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer — aim for 165°F inside.

• Spray your nuggets lightly with oil. It helps get that golden finish in the oven or air fryer.

What Makes These Nuggets Keto?

Traditional nuggets are coated in flour or breadcrumbs, which are high in carbs. These keto nuggets skip all that and use almond flour, parmesan, and optional pork rinds for a deliciously crispy, low-carb alternative. Plus, there’s no added sugar, no starches, and no fillers.

Reader Favorite: Spicy Keto Nuggets Version Want to turn up the heat?

• Add extra cayenne to the coating

• Toss cooked nuggets in buffalo sauce + melted butter

• Serve with celery and blue cheese dressing

Spicy + crunchy = YES PLEASE.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Keto Dinner (or Snack!)

These keto chicken nuggets are everything you love — crispy, savory, satisfying — with none of the carb overload. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just treating yourself, these little nuggets of joy are a must-try.

Ready to make them? Don’t forget to pin this recipe or share with a keto buddy who needs a comfort food fix!