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Keto Chicken Nuggets

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Craving crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets but want to stick to low carb lifestyle? You’ll love these easy keto chicken nuggets. Baked to golden perfection, they make a great snack or meal, even if you’re following a diet or just looking for a cleaner alternative.

A plate filled with crispy, golden-brown fried chicken nugget pieces garnished with chopped parsley.
Low Carb Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

The first time I made this recipe was for a potluck, and it was a huge hit! I was a little nervous about bringing something different to a table full of classic dishes, but as soon as people took a bite, they couldn’t stop raving about the crispy, golden nuggets. Now, I make them for every party, family get-together, or any time I want to share something delicious that everyone will love.

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Homemade Chicken Nuggets Dipping Sauces

A good dipping sauce can improve the taste of your chicken nuggets, and making your sauces at home is super simple. For body-friendly sauces, you can use our homemade dipping sauces like buffalo chicken dip, BBQ sauce, and ranch to create delicious dipping options. These sauces are perfect for adding flavor without breaking your food intake routine.

Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer or Oven

When it comes to making chicken nuggets, you have two great options: the air fryer or the oven. Both methods work well, but they have a few differences. The air fryer will give you a crispy, golden exterior with less oil. And the key for the oven is to use high heat and a little oil to make sure the nuggets crisp up nicely, just like my frozen onion rings, baked chicken wings and Korean BBQ chicken wings.

A plate of fried mushrooms garnished with fresh parsley.
A plate of chicken nuggets.

Can Air Fryer Make Crispy Chicken Recipes

An air fryer is one of the best kitchen gadgets for making crispy chicken recipes without using a ton of oil, especially if you are using frozen nuggets. It uses hot air circulation to crisp up the chicken, giving it that golden-brown crunch we all love.

An air fryer is the best alternative for making chicken nuggets, chicken fries, wings, or a full chicken. It still delivers on taste and texture.

How to Make Chicken Nuggets with Fewer Carbs

Let us dive into the full recipe with steps to make those beauties the best way possible. I have also attached a video with steps for those who prefer more visual instructions. 

Kitchen Gadgets Needed:

  • Bowl: You’ll need a mixing bowl to combine the chicken, eggs, and breading ingredients.
  • Whisk: A whisk will help beat the eggs thoroughly, ensuring an even coating for the chicken.
  • Baking Tray: This is where you’ll arrange your chicken nuggets for baking.
  • Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the nuggets from sticking and to make clean-up easier.
A plate of fried chicken livers garnished with parsley, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.
A plate of fried chicken nuggets garnished with parsley.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Minced Chicken: This is the main ingredient for your nuggets. You can use store-bought minced chicken or make your own using a chicken breast fresher chicken piece option.
  • Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the breading stick to the chicken and giving the nuggets a nice texture.
  • Breading: You can use our homemade breading mix or a store-bought alternative, depending on your preference. This gives the nuggets their crispy outer layer.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE KETO CHICKEN NUGGETS

First Step: Have Your Ingredients on Hand

Before you start, gather all your ingredients and tools. Ensure you have your minced chicken, eggs, breading mix, a bowl, and a baking tray ready. This will make the process smooth and quick.

Ingredients for keto chicken nuggets include minced chicken, eggs, and bread crumbs, placed on a wooden surface. Labels indicate low carb, keto, gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Nuggets.

Second Step: Prepare Wet and Dry Coating

In one bowl, beat your eggs for the wet coating, and in another, place your breading mix for the dry coating. You’ll mix the chicken nuggets first into the egg, then into the breading to get a nice even layer. Make sure the breading fully coats each nugget.

Three-step cooking process: 1) Egg cracked in a bowl. 2) Egg being whisked. 3) Breadcrumbs added to a second bowl. White wooden background with a beige cloth partially visible.
Egg cracked in a bowl and breadcrumbs.

Third Step: Mix Egg and Minced Chicken 

Combine your minced chicken with the beaten egg in a bowl, mixing until well incorporated. This will help bind the chicken and make sure the breading sticks better. It’s the base of your nugget mixture, so make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Two-step chicken nugget preparation: Image 1 shows whisked egg poured into minced chicken. Image 2 shows a person shaping chicken mix into balls and coating them with breadcrumbs.
Chicken nugget preparation.

Fourth Step: Shape into Nuggets and Bake

Shape the chicken mixture into small nugget-sized portions and place them on a lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes for even cooking. You’ll have perfectly crispy, golden nuggets ready in no time.

Three-step process of making fried snacks: 1) Coating dough in crumbs, 2) Placing coated pieces on a baking sheet, 3) Serving cooked snacks with garnish and dip.
Shaping and cooking chicken nuggets.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Adjust the flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little extra kick in your chicken nuggets. Parmesan cheese gives you that creaminess as well.
  • Double the batch: Double the recipe if you’re making these for a crowd or want leftovers. They store well, and you can enjoy them all week.
  • Use a cooling rack: While baking, place the nuggets on a cooling rack for extra crispness. This allows the air to circulate around them and keeps them crispy all over.
  • Make ahead: Use canned chicken or shape your chicken nuggets ahead of time and freeze them before baking. That way, you have a quick meal ready to go for busy nights.
  • Using air fryer: Spray oil into your air fryer basket to avoid sticking.
A bowl of fried croquettes garnished with parsley, served with a side of dipping sauce.
A bowl of fried chicken nuggets with dipping sauce.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Substitute For Crispy Low Carb Chicken Nuggets

You can substitute with breadcrumbs, almond flour or coconut flour for a more nutty flavor. You can also try using crushed pork rinds for an even crispier texture if you’re looking for an alternative coating. 

What To Serve With Crispy Keto Chicken Nuggets?

These chicken nuggets are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. For a complete meal, serve them with roasted veggies, a broccoli salad, or even cauliflower rice. You can add a small serving of orange chicken sauce or Korean sauce for BBQ for extra flavor.

How Do I Store Easy Keto Chicken Nuggets?

Once they’ve cooled, store your chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I Freeze Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

You can freeze the uncooked chicken nuggets for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

More Tasty Ideas for You

As a sweet treat, go for our mini pavlova cakes, where delicate meringue shells meet the airy sweetness with sour yogurt centers.

Also, try our dark chocolate bark with crunchy peanuts; this treat combines rich chocolate flavor with exceptional crunch. 

And if you still need some extra savory snack, oven-baked, easy zucchini chips are the perfect way to win with the whole family every single time.

Feel free to try out my recipes, where I make all my easy, delicious treats perfect for busy days or potluck parties.

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A plate of keto chicken nuggets garnished with parsley, with a sign reading "Easy to make Keto Chicken Nuggets" above. Text at the top indicates they are low carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
A plate of keto chicken nuggets.

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A bowl of crispy falafel garnished with herbs, accompanied by a dipping sauce and a small side of chopped green herbs.

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Zuzana Paar
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Craving crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets but want to stick to low carb lifestyle? You’ll love these easy keto chicken nuggets. Baked to golden perfection, they make a great snack or meal, even if you’re following a diet or just looking for a cleaner alternative.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main dishes, Recipes, Small bites
Cuisine American, European, International
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 Cup Chicken Minced
  • 2 Pieces Eggs
  • 1 Cup Breading

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”zta9ltNy” upload-date=”2025-02-08T17:50:54+00:00″ name=”Keto Chicken Nuggets YTV.mp4″ description=”Craving crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets but want to stick to low carb lifestyle? You’ll love these easy keto chicken nuggets. Baked to golden perfection, they make a great snack or meal, even if you’re following a diet or just looking for a cleaner alternative.” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

Instructions
 

  • Before you start, gather all your ingredients and tools. Ensure you have your minced chicken, eggs, breading mix, a bowl, and a baking tray ready. This will make the process smooth and quick.
  • In one bowl, beat your eggs for the wet coating, and in another, place your breading mix for the dry coating. You’ll mix the chicken nuggets first into the egg, then into the breading to get a nice even layer. Make sure the breading fully coats each nugget.
  • Combine your minced chicken with the beaten egg in a bowl, mixing until well incorporated. This will help bind the chicken and make sure the breading sticks better. It’s the base of your nugget mixture, so make sure it’s evenly mixed.
  • Shape the chicken mixture into small nugget-sized portions and place them on a lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes for even cooking. You’ll have perfectly crispy, golden nuggets ready in no time.

Notes

  • Adjust the flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little extra kick in your chicken nuggets. Parmesan cheese gives you that creaminess as well.
  • Double the batch: Double the recipe if you’re making these for a crowd or want leftovers. They store well, and you can enjoy them all week.
  • Use a cooling rack: While baking, place the nuggets on a cooling rack for extra crispness. This allows the air to circulate around them and keeps them crispy all over.
  • Make ahead: Use canned chicken or shape your chicken nuggets ahead of time and freeze them before baking. That way, you have a quick meal ready to go for busy nights.
  • Using air fryer: Spray oil into your air fryer basket to avoid sticking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 44mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.003gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.2mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on February 9th, 2025
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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