Keto Chicken Nuggets | Low Carb Nugget Recipe

PUBLISHED February 27, 2026· MODIFIED February 27, 2026 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1325 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re craving crispy chicken nuggets but don’t want the carbs, these Keto Chicken Nuggets are about to change the way you do comfort food. Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with clean, keto-friendly ingredients, this recipe checks all the boxes. No deep-frying, no complicated breading, and absolutely no weird textures.

Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite

Crispy coating without breadcrumbs or flour. You still get that golden, crunchy texture everyone craves, but without the carbs or gluten, making it perfect for keto and gluten-free diets.
Low-carb, gluten-free, and kid-approved. It fits a variety of dietary needs while still tasting like a classic favorite that the whole family, even picky eaters, will enjoy.
Air fryer, oven, or skillet-friendly. Whether you’re all about the air fryer or sticking to the stovetop, this recipe works with whatever cooking method you prefer.
Freezer-friendly for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick lunches, dinners, or protein-rich snacks on busy days.
Ready in about 25 minutes. Fast enough for weeknights, lazy weekends, or when that crispy nugget craving hits, and you need it now.

Ready in under 30 minutes and made in the air fryer, oven, or skillet, these nuggets are a perfect fit for kids, adults, or anyone trying to stay low-carb without giving up on taste.

Are Keto Chicken Nuggets Good?

Yes, keto chicken nuggets are absolutely delicious! They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

The pork rind and Parmesan coating gives them a satisfying crunch without the carbs, and they’re seasoned just right to mimic that classic nugget taste you crave.

Whether baked, pan-fried, or air-fried, they deliver all the comfort of traditional chicken nuggets in a low-carb, guilt-free form. Even picky eaters and non-keto folks tend to love them, making them a winning choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Are They Healthy?

Yes, keto chicken nuggets can be a healthy option, especially when compared to traditional fast food versions.

Made with lean chicken and coated in low-carb ingredients like crushed pork rinds and Parmesan cheese, they’re high in protein and healthy fats without the refined carbs or deep-frying oil. They’re also naturally gluten-free and can be customized to fit various dietary needs.

When paired with nutrient-rich sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, keto chicken nuggets can be part of a balanced, satisfying, and wholesome low-carb meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs– Provides the juicy, protein-rich base; cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures fast and even cooking.
1 large egg– Acts as a binder to help the crunchy coating stick to each piece of chicken.
1/2 cup crushed pork rinds– Delivers a crispy, golden crust with zero carbs, replacing traditional breadcrumbs.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese– Adds salty, savory flavor and helps create a crisp, cheesy coating.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder– Adds a punch of savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon paprika– Offers subtle warmth and color to the breading.
1/2 teaspoon salt– Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and coating.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper– Adds mild heat and balance to the seasoning blend.
Avocado oil spray– Ensures the nuggets crisp up perfectly during cooking and supports a keto-friendly, high-heat method.

How To Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

Prep Your Chicken. Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
Set Up the Breading Stations. In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, and seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper).
Coat the Nuggets. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge it in the pork rind mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
Cook.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Place nuggets in a single layer and spray with oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once. Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crunch.
- Skillet: Heat oil over medium-high. Cook nuggets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Tips And Tricks

Keto chicken nuggets are easy to make, but a few smart techniques will help you get that perfect crispy texture and juicy bite every time:

Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness. Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts if you tend to overcook.
Dry the chicken thoroughly. Patting the pieces dry ensures the coating sticks and crisps instead of sliding off.
Crush pork rinds finely. Use a food processor or rolling pin for an even texture that coats well.
Double-dip for extra crunch. For a thicker coating, dip chicken in the egg and pork rind mix twice.

Variations

Once you master the basic keto nugget, it’s easy to mix things up with different flavors and ingredients to keep things interesting:

Buffalo Style– Toss the cooked nuggets in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for a spicy, tangy kick.
Lemon Herb Nuggets– Add lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary to the coating for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
Taco-Spiced Nuggets– Use taco seasoning instead of garlic and paprika, and serve with guacamole or salsa.
Asian-Inspired– Add a touch of ground ginger to the coating and dip in sugar-free soy sauce or sesame dressing.

What To Eat With Keto Chicken Nuggets

These crispy, low-carb nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of keto-approved sides and sauces that round out the meal without adding carbs:

Keto coleslaw– A creamy, tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the nuggets.
Cauliflower mash– A comforting, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Zucchini fries– Baked or air-fried for a crispy side with added veggies.
Cucumber tomato salad– Light, refreshing, and fast to toss together.

How Long Do They Last?

Keto chicken nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. After they’ve cooled completely, place them in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in foil to maintain freshness.

When reheating, the best method is to use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 5–8 minutes, which helps restore their crispiness. While microwaving is quicker, it may soften the coating.

Can You Freeze Them?

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked nuggets for up to 2 months. To do this, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid.

Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for a convenient, low-carb meal anytime.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Pin It!

If you love this recipe for Keto Chicken Nuggets as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don’t forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.