6 Easy Air Fryer Keto Fried Chicken Recipes - Tenders, Thighs and Nuggets - Keto Pots (2024)

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked crispy, crunchy air fryer keto fried chicken tender, thigh or nuggets! And these 6 easy recipes are healthier, low carb versions of your favorite fried chicken, without all the grease or ‘heaviness’ from frying in a typical fryer or stove-top pot with oil.

1. Easy Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders (Must-try)

A typical chicken tenders recipe would incorporate a type of flour that’s high in carbs, so our keto chicken tenders are made with a lower carb alternative, and fried in a air fryer to keep them healthier.

The sharpness of the fresh Parmesan really shines through with the sweet paprika and Italian seasoning but mixing the almond flour and the flaxseed meal together makes all the difference. It gives your chicken tenders that nice crunch when cooked in the air fryer. We all know that’s what it’s all about, right?

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or whole chicken breasts cut into ‘tender’ size strips
2 eggs
¾ cup fine almond flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp finely ground flaxseed meal
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
salt and black pepper to taste
avocado or olive oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a shallow dish beat the eggs.
4. In another shallow dish place the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, flaxseed meal, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper and mix to combine.
5. Dip each chicken tender in the eggs then dredge in the almond flour mixture.
   Spray the chicken with cooking oil spray.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
7. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
8. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
9. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
   Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
10. Remove the chicken from the basket.
11. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
12. Serve immediately.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, try this super crunchy keto fried chicken recipe: https://ketopots.com/keto-fried-chicken

2. Crispy, Crunchy Air Fryer Keto Fried Chicken (YUM!)

Nothing screams comfort food like perfectly golden, crispy fried chicken. It’s salty, it’s crunchy, it’s everything you would want at the end of a long day without the guilt thanks to the keto-friendly ingredients.

You’ll be dying to sink your teeth into this once the smell of sweet paprika, spicy cayenne pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese fill the air. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for that savory-sweet balance of flavors. Thank goodness this keto fried chicken recipe is very easy to make because whoever tries this will be begging you to make it all the time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound total), cut into large pieces
2 large eggs
2 tbsp heavy cream
2/3 cup blanched almond flour
2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
salt, black pepper to taste
avocado or olive oil cooking spay

Directions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a shallow dish combine the eggs and heavy cream.
4. In another shallow plate combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, sweet paprika, cayenne paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
5. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture then dredge in the almond flour mixture.
6. Spray the chicken with cooking oil spray.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
8. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
9. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
10. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
11. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
12. Remove the chicken from the basket.
13. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

3. The Best Air Fryer Buffalo Keto Chicken Wings

There’s nothing like watching the big game while enjoying a plate full of succulent, tangy buffalo wings. The secret to this recipe is cooking the skin to crisp perfection.

The creamy richness of the melted butter combined with the aged, smoky cayenne pepper flavor of Frank’s Red Hot sauce adds just enough kick to get the senses going. The sliced spring onions adds a layer of sweetness to your buffalo wings that you won’t expect at first but we guarantee you’ll love it all the same. Pair your buffalo keto chicken wings with a dip of your choice. We highly recommend a savory ranch or bleu cheese dipping sauce to complete this appetizer.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh chicken wings
½ cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 scallion, sliced
salt, black pepper to taste
avocado or olive oil cooking spay

Directions:

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
5. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
6. Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
7. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
8. Remove the wings from the basket.
9. Repeat with the remaining wings.
10. To make the sauce, in a large bowl combine the melted butter and hot sauce.
11. Transfer the baked wings into the bowl and toss with sauce until completely coated.
12. Sprinkle with sliced spring onion (if using) and serve.

4. Life-changing Air Fryer Keto Chicken Nuggets

Believe me when I say that this air-fried keto chicken nuggets recipe tastes even better than traditional chicken nuggets—and it’s much healthier too. The secret is in the breading. Almond flour and flaxseed meal combined with grated Parmesan cheese will give your breading a nutty, savory flavor that pairs so well with poultry dishes. Pop it in the air fryer, and you’ll have a crisp outer layer with each bite.

That crrrrunch is going to drive everyone nuts, and it’s low-fat to boot. Who knew you could make keto chicken nuggets that are tender and moist on the inside without the oil? That’s the magic of the air-fryer for you. Make sure to save this recipe for later because it’s excellent for packed lunches for the family.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into nugget size pieces
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp white vinegar
1 cup almond flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp finely ground flaxseed meal
salt, black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a bowl combine the mayonnaise and vinegar.
4. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
5. Set aside.
6. Place the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, flaxseed meal, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper in a food processor and pulse a few time.
7. Transfer the almond flour mixture in a shallow dish.
8. Dredge each chicken piece in the almond flour mixture.
9. Spray the chicken with cooking oil spray.
10. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
11. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
12. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
13. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
14. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
15. Remove the chicken from the basket.
16. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
17. Serve immediately.

5. Blackened Spicy Air Fryer Keto Fried Chicken Thighs

I know it may look burnt, but it’s not! That’s just the delicious spice coating. While you can definitely find countless amazing keto chicken recipes all over this site, I must confess that my favorite type of chicken meal to make has always been spicy fried chicken. One taste was all it took and I’ve been 100% hooked ever since, hence this recipe for making spicy air fryer keto fried chicken thighs that have the most incredible homemade spicy seasoning mixture.

It’s made completely from scratch with a savory list of ingredients that includes sour cream, heavy cream, lemon juice, ground ginger, minced garlic, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and a bit of salt and black pepper. You simply have to coat your chicken thighs in the mixture and then throw them in your air fryer. Sprinkle a bit of chopped cilantro over top of them when they’re done.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tsp lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnishing
avocado or olive oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Slash each chicken thigh two or three times and set aside.
2. In a bowl place the sour cream, heavy cream, lemon juice, ground ginger, minced garlic, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Mix to combine.
4. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat.
5. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes.
6. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
7. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
8. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
9. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
10. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
11. Remove the chicken from the basket.
12. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
13. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

6. Incredible Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, crunchy buffalo wings with hot sauce and ranch dressing – is there a more classic American snack dish? For our recipe we won’t be using wings but these tasty delights will be just as good and of course carb-free and guilt-free as well. We use flaxseed meal and almond flour for the coating, giving the chicken nuggets an earthy taste that pairs well with any savory dish. It’s a versatile coating especially when seasoned with garlic powder, cayenne and paprika.

We used Frank’s Hot Sauce for this because it has a smokiness to it that complements the paprika and cayenne, but it’s also slightly tart. You can just imagine the crisp outer layer on these keto buffalo chicken nuggets once they come out of the air-fryer. Now all you need is a fantastic dip and you’re good to go.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into nugget size pieces
2 tbsp Frank’s Hot Sauce
2 tsp olive oil
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup almond flour
2 tbsp finely ground flaxseed meal
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
salt, black pepper to taste
avocado or olive oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a bowl combine the olive oil and hot sauce.
4. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
5. Set aside.
6. Place the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, flaxseed meal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper in a shallow plate and mix to combine.
7. Dredge each chicken piece in the almond flour mixture.
8. Spray the chicken with cooking oil spray.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes.
10. Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F.
11. Spray the fry basket with cooking oil spray.
12. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the fry basket and insert into the air fryer.
13. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
14. Remove the chicken from the basket.
15. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
16. Serve immediately.

(You may also like: 40+Easy Keto Chicken Recipes for a Quick Meal)