crispy plate of keto fried chicken made with almond flour and pork rinds, served with keto-friendly side dishes.
A plate of golden-brown keto fried chicken served with keto coleslaw, avocado ranch dip, and sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Why This Keto Fried Chicken is the Best

Keto Fried Chicken is a game-changer for low-carb diets! This recipe gives you the crispiest crust using almond flour and crushed pork rinds, keeping it 100% gluten-free.

💡 Looking for more keto-friendly comfort food? Try our Keto Cheese Crackers for a crunchy snack!


Ingredients for the Perfect Keto Fried Chicken

For the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken for Keto Fried Chicken
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

For the Crispy Keto Coating

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

For the Egg Wash

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

For Frying

  • Avocado oil or coconut oil for deep frying

How to Make Keto Fried Chicken (Step-by-Step)

🥘 Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

🍳 Step 2: Make the Coating

  1. In a bowl, mix almond flour, crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne.

🥄 Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

  1. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.

🧑‍🍳 Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  1. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then coat with the almond flour mixture, pressing to adhere.

🔥 Step 5: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

  1. Heat avocado oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Tip: For an even crispier texture, dip the chicken twice in the egg wash and coating before frying!


Baking & Air Frying Options

🔥 Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

🍗 Oven-Baked Option:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

What to Serve with Keto Fried Chicken

  • Keto Coleslaw – The perfect low-carb side!
  • Avocado ranch dip – Creamy and delicious.
  • Sugar-free BBQ sauce – Adds a smoky, tangy flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories350 kcal
Carbs4g
Protein28g
Fat25g
Fiber2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

A: No, coconut flour absorbs too much moisture. Stick with almond flour or a mix of almond and pork rinds.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying keto fried chicken?

A: Avocado oil, coconut oil, or beef tallow are best because they have high smoke points.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese and use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.



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