I’ll never forget trying to make my grandma’s fried chicken on keto. The coconut flour crusts were soggy. But then I found almond flour. It made the chicken crispy and golden, without deep frying or carbs.
This recipe changed my life. It only needs five things from your pantry. You get juicy chicken in a crunchy coating. My friend Karine said it tastes like Friday night takeout, but it doesn’t make her sleepy.
Almond flour makes the chicken crunchy and keeps carbs low. It’s perfect for game nights. Even friends who don’t eat low-carb love it. Try it with my crispy keto chicken parmesan for a tasty Italian feast.
The spices stick to the chicken, adding lots of flavor. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill make it easy. You’re just 40 minutes away from delicious comfort food that’s good for you.
What is Keto Fried Chicken with Almond Flour?
Want crispy fried chicken but don’t want to go over your carb limit? Keto fried chicken uses almond flour instead of regular breading. This makes it crunchy and fits well with low-carb diets. It also keeps you in ketosis and satisfies your cravings for comfort food.
Explanation of the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet is all about eating lots of fat, some protein, and very few carbs (less than 25g net daily). When you’re in ketosis, your body uses fat for energy instead of sugar. Regular fried chicken has wheat flour with 22g carbs per ¼ cup. That’s more than many keto dieters eat in a whole meal.
Benefits of Using Almond Flour
Almond flour makes fried chicken a keto dream. It has only 3g net carbs per ¼ cup. This means you get:
- A rich, nutty taste that coconut flour can’t match
- A crunchier texture than pork rind coatings
- Healthy fats (14g per serving) to keep you full
| Coating Type | Net Carbs | Fat Content | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almond Flour | 3g | 14g | Crispy & Nutty |
| Coconut Flour | 8g | 3g | Dense |
| Pork Rinds | 0g | 5g | Crunchy |
This recipe with almond flour has 75% fewer carbs than regular fried chicken. The flour’s oils help it brown nicely without burning. This is a problem with protein-heavy coatings.
Ingredients for Keto Fried Chicken
To make crispy, gluten-free fried chicken, pick the right parts. I’ve tried many mixes to keep it juicy and low in carbs. Here are the exact amounts and tips for a great keto recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (skinless) | 1.5 lbs | Bone-in for juiciness |
| Almond flour | 1 cup | Blanched for smoother texture |
| Paprika | 1 tbsp | Smoked or sweet variety |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Optional: add onion powder |
| Eggs | 2 large | For binding the coating |
| Avocado oil | 2 cups | High smoke point |
Almond Flour
Almond flour is used instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb option. It makes the outside crispy without gluten. I choose blanched almond flour for a golden color that doesn’t burn.
Chicken Pieces
Skinless thighs are the best for keto fried chicken. They stay juicy, even when cooked hot. If using breasts, cut them into strips to avoid dryness.
Seasonings and Spices
The seasoning mix can be changed. My favorite mix includes:
- Paprika for warmth
- Garlic powder for depth
- Sea salt and black pepper
For more heat, add cayenne or chili flakes. Make sure all spices are gluten-free to keep the dish right.
Preparing the Chicken
Getting the chicken ready is the most hands-on part of making crispy almond flour chicken tenders. Whether you’re using thighs, breasts, or wings, these three steps ensure a golden crust that stays crunchy without traditional breading.
Marinating the Chicken
For extra tender meat, I recommend soaking your chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but adds a subtle tang and helps break down proteins. Combine:
- 1 cup buttermilk (or unsweetened almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels after marinating. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Coating with Almond Flour
Here’s my foolproof method for that restaurant-quality crunch:
- Dry Stage: Dust chicken lightly with seasoned almond flour (I use ¼ cup for 4 pieces).
- Egg Wash: Dip in beaten eggs mixed with 1 tbsp hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Final Press: Press firmly into almond flour again using a zip-top bag – shake gently to coat evenly without messy hands.
Pro tip: Let the coated chicken rest 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Cooking Methods for Keto Fried Chicken
Choosing the right cooking method is key for low carb fried chicken. Almond flour makes it crispy, but you must watch the temperature. Here are three ways to get it right without carbs.
Deep Frying
Deep frying gives that crunchy texture we love. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat avocado oil to 350°F in a heavy pot
- Fry chicken pieces 2-3 minutes per side
- Drain on wire rack immediately
Pro tip: Almond flour browns fast. Keep an eye on the oil temperature with a thermometer.
Oven Baking
Baking is great for easy cooking:
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Bake 20 minutes total
- Flip chicken halfway through
Use parchment paper to stop it from sticking. The heat is like frying but is low carb.
Air Frying
My top pick for air fryer keto chicken:
- Set air fryer to 400°F
- Cook 12 minutes without overcrowding
- Spritz with oil for extra crispness
This method uses much less oil than deep frying. For more ideas, see these easy keto air fryer recipes that go well with chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Adding the right sides makes keto fried chicken unforgettable. It’s all about mixing textures and tastes. Here are my top picks to make this keto fried chicken recipe a full meal.
Side Dishes That Complement the Chicken
I enjoy serving these golden bites with veggie sides. They add color and crunch. Here are three favorites:
- Garlic Roasted Radishes: They taste like potatoes but without carbs.
- Cauliflower Mash: It’s creamy and buttery, perfect with the chicken.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (inspired by a reader favorite!): Mix raw florets with bacon, cheddar, and tangy mayo.
It’s important to control portions with richer sides. I use ½ cup servings to keep carbs low.
Dipping Sauces
Dips are essential for fried chicken. These sugar-free dipping sauces add flavor without carbs:
- Avocado Cilantro Lime Ranch: Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, and herbs for a creamy sauce.
- Sugar-Free Honey Mustard: Mix Dijon mustard with a keto sweetener and apple cider vinegar.
- Spicy Chipotle Mayo: Add smoked paprika and hot sauce to mayonnaise.
These sauces are great with other easy keto dinner recipes, like zucchini fries or crispy salmon bites.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Fried Chicken
Making almond flour crispy chicken at home is easy. Just follow a few tips. You’ll get a golden, crunchy outside without too many carbs. It’s great for those who love crispy chicken but need to watch their diet.
Maintaining Crispiness
To keep your chicken crispy, follow these steps:
- Double-coat the chicken: Dip pieces in beaten egg twice. Press almond flour mixture firmly onto the surface each time.
- Add parmesan: Mix ¼ cup grated parmesan into the almond flour. This adds crunch and flavor.
- Pat chicken dry: Use paper towels to remove moisture before coating. This helps the breading stick better.
- Fry at 350°F: Keep the oil temperature steady with a thermometer. This ensures even crisping.
Adjusting for Personal Taste
Make your crispy low carb chicken your own with these easy changes:
- Spice blends: Try Cajun seasoning for heat, lemon pepper for zest, or smoked paprika for depth.
- Cheesy twist: Add 2 tbsp nutritional yeast to the almond flour. It gives a savory, umami kick.
- Oil options: Avocado oil is good for high-heat frying. Ghee adds rich flavor.
- Herb variations: Mix dried rosemary or thyme into the coating. It adds aromatic complexity.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the crust firm up and keeps juices in. For extra crispiness, air fry leftovers at 400°F for 3-4 minutes instead of microwaving.
Nutritional Information
When I made this keto chicken recipe, I had to track macros. This helps you stay on track and enjoy tasty meals. Let’s look at what makes this dish good for your diet.
Calorie Count
One serving of this low carb fried chicken has 497 calories. It might seem high, but keto uses fat for energy. Avocado oil adds good fats for your heart.
Traditional fried chicken has similar calories but doesn’t offer these health benefits.
Macronutrient Breakdown
This recipe is great for keto fans:
- 35g fat: Comes from avocado oil and chicken skin
- 6g net carbs: Almond flour makes carbs 60% lower than regular breading
- 38g protein: Helps keep muscles strong without raising carbs
| Nutrient | Keto Version | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 497 | 510 |
| Total Fat | 35g | 33g |
| Net Carbs | 6g | 17g |
| Protein | 38g | 35g |
This shows why my keto chicken recipe is good. It has almost the same protein but with 65% fewer carbs. The fats it uses help keep you in ketosis and satisfy your cravings.
Storing Leftovers
Keep your gluten-free fried chicken fresh by storing it right. Let it cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours to stay safe.
Best Practices for Refrigeration
Keep keto almond flour chicken in the fridge for three days. Use parchment paper between layers to stop sticking. Freeze it on a parchment-lined baking sheet before putting it in bags. This stops clumps and makes reheating easy.
Freezing keto crack chicken works the same way. It keeps flavors strong.
Reheating Tips
Use an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes or bake at 350°F. Don’t microwave it to avoid soggy breading. Add broth or water in a skillet to keep it moist. Stir creamy sauces gently.
Reheating chicken is great for dinner or a quick meal. Serve it with low-carb sides for a tasty, healthy meal.