Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are the perfect low-carb, high-protein snack or meal for anyone on a ketogenic diet. Made with canned chicken, shredded mozzarella, and a blend of spices, these nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Air fried to perfection, they’re quick and easy to make, and they make a great option for meal prep or a healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These keto chicken nuggets are everything you love about traditional nuggets but without the carbs! They’re super easy to make, thanks to the use of canned chicken, and they’re ready in just 15 minutes. The mozzarella cheese gives them a cheesy, crispy coating, and the spices bring the flavor to life. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce—whether it’s ranch, BBQ, or keto-friendly ketchup.

Ingredients

• 1 can chicken breast (12.5 ounces)
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: Drain all the liquid from the canned chicken, then pour the chicken into a mixing bowl. Use a fork to separate the meat into smaller pieces.
3. Mix the ingredients: Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper (if using). Mix well until everything is combined.
4. Form the nuggets: Shape the mixture into nugget-sized portions with your hands or a spoon. Place each nugget in the prepared air fryer basket. If the chicken is stringy, you can quickly pulse it in a food processor to break it up, but be careful not to over-process.
5. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the nuggets for 12-15 minutes, checking them at the 12-minute mark. If they aren’t golden brown enough, add 2-3 more minutes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.
6. Cool and serve: Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before eating. Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheese options: You can use cheddar cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Seasoning variations: Feel free to change up the seasoning mix. You can add a pinch of cayenne for heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• Coating: If you want a crispy coating, you can dip the nuggets in an egg wash and coat them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour before air frying.
• Sauces: Serve these nuggets with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or mustard.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the nuggets back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken if you prefer. Just make sure it’s shredded well, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Are these chicken nuggets gluten-free?

Yes! These nuggets are made without any breadcrumbs, so they’re naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any additional sauces or seasonings you use are gluten-free as well.

Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the nuggets in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them before cooking. To freeze, place the uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze them for an hour, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The oven may take a bit longer to crisp up the nuggets, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I make these nuggets spicier?

If you like a bit of spice, you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before forming the nuggets.

Conclusion

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a perfect low-carb, high-protein snack or meal that’s quick and easy to make. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served with a dipping sauce or as a part of a low-carb meal, these nuggets are a tasty, satisfying treat that everyone will enjoy!

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