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Golden brown and crispy keto chicken nuggets piled on a plate, showing a crunchy baked cheese exterior.

Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Daniel Foster
These crispy keto chicken nuggets recipe bites use canned chicken and melted cheese for a savory, golden-crusted finish. Enjoy a fast, low-carb snack that is tender inside and completely flour-free.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings
Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Medium bowl
  • Air fryer
  • spatula

Ingredients

  • 1 10oz can chicken breast drained
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/3 cup Shredded Cheddar Jack, or Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

Oven Directions

  • Heat the oven to 425°F (220℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Drain the canned chicken, then press it hard in a fine mesh strainer with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible.
  • Combine the chicken, egg, shredded cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Shape the mixture into about 14 nuggets on the prepared baking sheet using your hands or a tablespoon, then flatten each one lightly with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, turning the nuggets halfway through with a spatula.

Air Fryer Directions

  • Coat the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Drain and press the canned chicken very dry, then mix it with the egg, cheeses, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Shape the mixture into nuggets and place them in the basket in a single layer without crowding.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200℃) for 10 to 14 minutes, checking at 10 minutes and adding 2 to 4 more minutes if they need more color.

Notes

Texture tip: Squeezing the canned chicken dry keeps the nuggets from turning spongy. Use a fine mesh strainer or clean kitchen towel to press out all excess liquid.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled nuggets on a tray before moving them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer to get the outside crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it softens the crust.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
325
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Cholesterol
 
403
mg
134
%
Sodium
 
540
mg
23
%
Potassium
 
180
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Protein
 
38
g
76
%
Vitamin A
 
150
IU
3
%
Calcium
 
120
mg
12
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword air fryer keto, canned chicken breast, keto chicken nuggets recipe, low carb snack
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