Description
Keto Chicken Nuggets are a low-carb, high-protein snack or meal made with canned chicken, shredded mozzarella, and a blend of spices, air fried to golden perfection.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- For different flavors, you can use cheddar cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Change up the seasoning mix with cayenne for heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- For a crispy coating, dip the nuggets in an egg wash and coat them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour before air frying.
- Serve these with keto-friendly sauces like ranch, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or mustard.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Meal
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
