👨‍🍳 Crispy Keto Fried Chicken Recipe | Low-Carb Delight

Love fried chicken but on a keto diet? You’re in luck. Our amazing keto fried chicken recipe lets you feast guilt-free. It’s crispy, low-carb, and lives up to keto’s ideals. With a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 63 fans, it’s sure to be your go-to. You’ll get 4-6 servings of crunchy keto chicken tenders from it.

Key Takeaways

• This keto fried chicken recipe has received rave reviews with a 4.8-star rating based on 63 reviews.
• The recipe yields 4-6 servings with a preparation time of just 10 minutes.
• The low-carb buttermilk marinade includes 4 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.
• A blend of spices like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic salt forms the perfect KFC seasoning mix.
• Unflavored whey protein powder is used to coat the chicken, adding to the crispy finish.
• The total time to prepare this delicious keto fried chicken is approximately 1 hour.
• Ideal for those on a keto diet, each serving contains only 1g of carbohydrates.

Introduction to the Crispy Keto Fried Chicken Recipe

Miss the crispy goodness of Southern fried chicken? This recipe is your healthy, low-carb answer. It turns the classic recipe into a diet-friendly version. By using just seven simple ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty crunch that fits your diet.

It uses crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour for coating. This gives the chicken its crunchy texture and tasty flavor. Just bake the chicken at 400°F for 40-45 minutes. Soon, you’ll have golden, perfectly cooked pieces.

This recipe is open to your spice experiments. Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or oregano for extra kick. It recommends certain spices and ingredients, like eggs, garlic powder, and skin-on chicken parts. These are key for making the best low-carb comfort food.

The best time to eat this chicken is right after it’s cooked. But if you have leftovers, they can keep in the fridge for four days. When you’re ready to eat them again, you can either reheat them or enjoy them cold.

This recipe redefines old-fashioned fried chicken for a low-carb lifestyle. It’s a fun twist that remains on your healthy eating path. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful keto fried chicken with every bite.

Ingredients for the Keto Fried Chicken Recipe

This keto fried chicken recipe is made with select ingredients. They fit the keto diet and taste great. You’ll enjoy a low-carb but tasty meal.

Protein Options

For this dish, pick chicken drumsticks, thighs, and breast. They are perfect for frying, staying juicy. Avoid wings or mini drumsticks. Fry them until they’re 165°C inside.

Seasoning Mix

The right seasoning makes this keto fried chicken pop. Essential spices are:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

This seasoning blend makes your chicken taste like KFC, no MSG.

Low-Carb Coating

We use special ingredients for a crispy coat, not flour:

• Almond flour
• Keto bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

You can make the perfect homemade crispy chicken with a gluten-free twist easily. Just follow these steps. You’ll have a tasty keto-friendly meal for your family.

Preparing the Marinade

First, make the marinade to make your chicken juicy and tasty. Mix these for your keto “buttermilk” wash:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon optional vodka for extra crispiness
• Hot sauce as desired

Coat the chicken pieces (4 pounds) well. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Coating the Chicken

Then, get the breading mix ready. In a big bowl, mix:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Thoroughly coat each chicken piece. Make sure you cover all of it. If you like it spicy, add hot sauce before you bread the chicken.

Frying Techniques

Now, decide how you’ll fry your chicken:

• Deep Frying: Heat avocado oil to 350°F. Fry chicken upside down for 6 minutes. Then, 4 minutes on the other side until it’s golden.
• Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Air-fry the chicken for 13 minutes. After flipping, lower the temperature to 350°F. Keep frying until it reaches 160°F inside, about 7 more minutes.

To get the perfect crunch, don’t overcrowd the fryer or air fryer. With air fryers, spraying a little cooking oil can make it even crispier.

You’ll have this crispy chicken dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s gluten-free, great for low-carb diets, and each serving has about 534.6 calories. So, it’s not only tasty but also satisfying.

Tips for Achieving Extra Crunch

Achieving the perfect crunch in your crispy keto chicken tenders is like an art. Here are key tips to improve your low-carb chicken dishes:

First off, choosing the right coating is key. Instead of using bread crumbs, try pork rinds. They cut down on carbs, keeping your dish keto-friendly. Our low-carb fried chicken has under 0.5g carbs per serving. This is much lower than KFC’s Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh, which has 9g net carbs.

Next, the frying temperature matters a lot. Keep the oil anywhere between 140-150C/280-300F. This way, your crispy keto chicken tenders will be evenly crunchy. You can use avocado oil, lard, or even coconut oil. Each type gives your dish a special touch.

Using whey protein isolate can really up your game in making your chicken crispy. It’s perfect for deep-frying but not for air fryers. Just add some before you coat your chicken. It boosts its texture and crunch.

Last but not least, target an internal temperature of 65C/150F for your chicken. This gives it a juicy center while the outside stays crispy.

Following these tips will get your crispy keto chicken tenders to another level. They’ll be yummy and low-carb.

Substitutions and Variations

Changing up the keto fried chicken recipe means you can work around dietary needs and taste choices. By picking the right substitutes, you can keep your meal low-carb without losing out on flavor or texture. Here are some things to keep in mind when aiming for low-carb options:

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, it’s important to swap out those ingredients. Try coconut milk or almond milk in place of buttermilk for marinating. They keep your chicken juicy and stick to a keto diet. The version without seasonings and with egg instead of mayo usually has:

• 340 calories
• 19g fat
• 0.1g carbs
• 39g protein
• 0.14g net carbs

Different Flour Alternatives

Choosing a different flour can also make the recipe fit your needs. Almond flour has 3.5g of carbs in 100g and stays crispy. Avocado oil is great for frying because it has a high smoke point. This means the oil is less likely to break down, making your meal healthier.

Spice Mix Variations

Changing the spices can really mix up the taste of your keto fried chicken recipe. You can add paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to your liking. Don’t forget, you can also use lemon zest or hot sauce to kick up the flavor.

By using these tips, you can make your keto fried chicken fit many different diets. And the best part? It still tastes great.

Why Keto Fried Chicken is a Low-Carb Delight

Love fried chicken but hate the carbs? The answer is Keto Fried Chicken. With a ketogenic chicken recipe, you get all the taste without guilt. This low carb fried chicken recipe skips grains and uses healthy oils. It’s delicious and good for your health.

This low carb fried chicken has only 1g of net carbs per serving. So, you can enjoy it fully without worry. Made with pork breading, it’s a high-protein, moderate-fat, and low-carb treat. It’s perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.

Frying Methods: Deep Fryer vs. Air Fryer vs. Oven

Finding the best way to fry keto-friendly fried chicken is key. You want a mix of great taste and healthy eating. Each path – deep fryer, air fryer, or oven – comes with its own pros for those on a keto diet.

Deep frying gives chicken a crisp outside by dunking it completely in oil. Yet, more oil means more fat and calories – up to 75% from fat. Making deep-fried chicken takes about 45 minutes, with a 15-minute prep and 30-minute cook. Each portion is roughly 388 calories with lots of cholesterol and saturated fat.

Air frying cuts the fat down a lot, making your chicken healthier. It uses far less oil than deep frying. This trims the calories by 70-80%. Air fryers are also good for many other cooking types. Air fried chicken keeps some crisp but is healthier. These machines are priced from about $70 up to $200 and are easy to clean because they have non-stick surfaces.

Using the oven for keto chicken gives a close-to-deep-fryer crispy result without much oil. Baking in the oven might take a bit longer but ensures even cooking and a uniform taste. You can also cook big batches this way.

Choosing how to fry your keto chicken relies on what’s best for your body, wallet, and ease of use. Each method brings special advantages and the promise of tasty, low-carb chicken.

The Secret to the Perfect Keto Fried Chicken Recipe

The key to mastering the keto fried chicken recipe is mixing keto-friendly items and proven cooking ways. Ashley Mott has spent over 2 years perfecting this dish. Her recipe meets keto standards and gives a crunch like traditional fried chicken.

Making this homemade crispy chicken takes roughly 35 minutes to prep. Then, it cooks for about 20 minutes. This means in less than an hour, you can enjoy a delicious meal. The method for getting it extra crispy is simple. Start with a coating made of almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This keeps it low in carbs but still crunchy.

Frying at 325 F is key to success. It cooks the chicken through without burning the outside. If you prefer not to fry, baking takes 40-50 minutes at 400 F. For an air-fryer, it’s about 20 minutes at the same heat. In any case, the chicken’s inside must hit 165 F to be fully cooked.

• Ashley Mott’s recipe serves 8, with each getting 354.4 calories.
• Make it as nuggets or tenders to change it up.
• Spice suggestions include cayenne pepper or hatch chile powder.

Team member Jenna loves how tasty and fragrant this recipe is. She says it’s perfect for family events. What makes it great is using keto items just right and cooking at the perfect times and temperatures.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor and Juiciness

Marinating is key to delicious keto fried chicken. It helps the chicken stay juicy and full of taste. Use pickle juice as a brine for a tangy flavor.

How Long to Marinate

For great flavor, marinate the chicken for 24 hours. This lets the flavors soak deep into the meat. For the best taste and juiciness, marinate it overnight.

The Importance of Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds a special taste to fried chicken. For a lower carb option, mix eggs, mayo, and Dijon mustard. This mix gives the chicken a tangy flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.

This keto fried chicken is both delicious and fits a low-carb diet. It has just 2g of net carbs and offers a meal high in protein.

It’s a great meal for those on a keto journey. It keeps your taste buds happy and supports your low-carb goals.

Choosing the Best Oil for Frying

Finding the right oil is key for great keto fried chicken. Your choice doesn’t just affect taste but health too. Many healthy frying oils work well for keto, making your chicken both crispy and tasty.

Avocado Oil: With its 520°F smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for keto chicken. It keeps your chicken crispy and delicious in high heat.

Peanut Oil: Peanut oil, hitting 446°F, is another great pick. It adds a mild taste that goes well with marinated chicken.

Coconut Oil: Picked for its stability and high smoke point. It offers a light taste, making it a top choice for keto meals.

Animal Fats: Lard, tallow, and ghee work well too. They have high smoke points and boost the flavor of your fried chicken.

Remember, avoid olive oil for frying. Its low smoke point might make your dish bitter. Stick to avocado, peanut, coconut oil, or animal fats for a tasty, healthy keto fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking keto fried chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. These mistakes can change how the chicken tastes and feels. To cook the perfect keto fried chicken, follow these essential tips.

Frying at the wrong oil temperature is a common mistake. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may burn outside and be undercooked inside. If the oil is too cold, the chicken absorbs too much oil, making it greasy.

Inadequate Coating Techniques

Making sure the coating is crispy and even is crucial for great keto fried chicken. Dry the chicken well before adding the coating to keep it from being clumpy. This step helps the chicken cook evenly, becoming crispy the way you want it.

Ignoring Proper Thawing Methods

Thawing chicken the wrong way can increase the risk of bacteria. The USDA suggests using cold water, a microwave, or the fridge overnight to thaw chicken. Don’t thaw it on the countertop, as this can let bad bacteria grow.

Using the Wrong Oil

Choosing the right oil is very important for keto cooking. Oils with high smoke points, like avocado or olive oil, prevent burning and cook the chicken evenly. These oils also bring healthy fats, which are good for you, according to keto principles.

For more help, here is a simple table with nutritional facts for a standard serving of keto fried chicken:

Following these tips will help you make healthier, crispy, and tasty keto fried chicken.

Keto-friendly Side Dishes to Pair with Your Chicken

Pairing your crispy keto fried chicken with low-carb sides makes your meal better. It keeps you on track with your keto goals. Here are some tasty options to try.

Keto Mac and Cheese

The classic mac and cheese now fits the keto lifestyle with cauliflower. This low-carb comfort food stays creamy with a cheesy sauce. It’s a filling and delicious choice for chicken pairings.

Low-Carb Coleslaw

Low-carb coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy aspect to your meal. It uses vegetables and a special dressing to keep the carbs low. This coleslaw tastes just as creamy but fits into your keto plan.

Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower mash is a great replacement for mashed potatoes. It uses cauliflower, butter, and cream cheese to be creamy and smooth. This side dish is low-carb but feels indulgent.

Adding these sides to your keto fried chicken makes a complete, satisfying meal. For more great dishes, check out recipes for low-carb comfort food. It keeps dinner interesting and delicious.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Keto Fried Chicken

Keeping your keto chicken crunchy is easy if you store it right. Let it cool down first. Then, put it in a sealed container.

If you’re only keeping it for a few days, the fridge is fine. Your chicken will still be fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing works best. It’ll stay good for three months in the freezer.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to guarantee safety and maintain quality.

Reheating your crispy chicken to keep it crunchy can be done a few ways. Here are some tips:

• Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F and warm the chicken up for 10-15 minutes on a rack.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F. Reheat the chicken for 4-5 minutes. It will become crispy again.
• Skillet: Put a skillet on medium heat with a little oil. Reheat the chicken 2-3 minutes on each side.

For the best results, follow these storage and reheating tips for your keto fried chicken:

By properly storing and reheating, your keto fried chicken will keep its great taste. It’s perfect for a fast meal or saving it for later. These steps keep it yummy.

User Reviews and Ratings

Exploring user reviews of keto fried chicken can show us how much people like it. You’ll find tips on how to make and change this tasty, low-carb dish. Users share their thoughts on this favorite recipe.

Customer Feedback

Many people love this keto fried chicken for its crunch and taste. It got 4.8 stars from 63 reviews. They especially like the crispy crust. It’s made with a special mix of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, White Pepper, and Paprika.

“This is by far the best keto fried chicken I’ve ever tried! The seasoning mix is spot on, and the chicken turns out super crispy every time,” one user commented.

“I was skeptical at first, but the balance of spices and the crispy coating convinced me. Even my kids love it!” shared another satisfied customer.

Tips from Users

Those who tried the keto fried chicken gave some tips to make it better:

• Prep and Storage: Make extra and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months.
• Oil Choice: Opt for high-smoke point oils like Avocado Oil to achieve that perfect golden crust without burning the coating.
• Protein Options: For different textures and tastes, try using a mix of chicken drumsticks, thighs, and breast tenders.
• Seasoning Mix: Add a dash or two of Cayenne Pepper if you prefer a slight kick in your keto fried chicken.

The reviews on keto fried chicken are full of great advice. This makes it simpler and more fun to make this favorite dish at home.

Conclusion

Choosing keto doesn’t have to be a flavor sacrifice. Take this keto fried chicken for example. It’s a low-carb hit that combines the crisp of fried chicken with keto benefits. This makes it a go-to for those watching their health but still yearning for a tasty meal.

Making a crunch without carbs is easier than you think. This recipe uses almond flour, pork rinds, and Parmesan cheese for a healthier breading. Unlike drumsticks that can have about 4.4 grams of carbs each, ours drops down to just 2.1 grams. Great news for keto folks sticking to about 20 grams of carbs a day.

Air frying keeps the chicken juicy while cutting calories by up to 70%. Using chicken breast adds 31 grams of protein for each 100 grams. This makeover turns traditional fried chicken into a nutritious, keto-friendly choice that anyone will love.