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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Healthy homemade chicken nuggets perfect for the air fryer! These keto chicken nuggets are an easy way to stick to a low carb diet, while feeling like you’re cheating with fried foods. Except you’re not! These crispy chicken tenders are perfectly keto legal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken
  • 1 cup pork rind crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus 2 tbsp to brine chicken)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • coconut or avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

Meal Prep:

  • For juicy chicken, brine in a large bowl of water with 2 tbsp of kosher salt, or enough pickle juice to cover chicken. Brine for 10-30 minutes in the fridge.
  • Then, carefully discard of chicken juice and cut the chicken into 1 inch chunks. Set aside.
  • Beat the heavy cream and egg together in a shallow bowl. 
  • Spread the pork rind crumbs onto a flat surface, like a cutting board or a large plate.
  • Line the air fryer tray with perforated parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray.
  • Set up a dipping station, with the chicken first, egg wash second, flattened pork crumbs third, and flat surface last.

How to Air Fry Chicken Nuggets:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Dip the chicken into the egg wash. Shake off excess egg after thoroughly coating both sides.
  • Then dip the egg coated chicken into the pork rind crumbs. Make sure both sides are coated well and then place onto a flat surface.
  • Repeat until all of the chicken is fully coated, then spray both sides of the chicken with a cooking spray. This helps the chicken get even crispier.
  • Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Leave space in between each piece to allow the air to circulate.
  • Air fry chicken nuggets for 5-6 minutes, and then flip. Air fry until fully cooked, which should take another 5-6 minutes.

Notes

  • It’s important to leave space in between the chicken pieces. If all of your chicken doesn’t fit on the first try, work in batches.
  • If you’d rather fry your keto chicken nuggets, heat coconut oil up in a large skillet and fry 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Want to bake instead? Bake at 450 degrees F for around 10-15 minutes. Double check the nuggets are fully cooked with a meat thermometer. They are done once they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. 
  • Reheat leftovers in a convection oven or on the stove top over medium heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Healthy Chicken Nuggets, Keto Chicken Nuggets, Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Find it online: https://eatingfatisthenewskinny.com/keto-chicken-nuggets/