3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe)

These 3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe) are made with just chicken, mozzarella, and egg—no breadcrumbs needed! A low-carb, high-protein snack that’s crispy outside, juicy inside, and perfect for dipping.

this Recipe

You know that feeling when you just want something crispy, salty, and dippable? The kind of snack that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave you in a carb coma? That was me last week.

I was deep into my keto routine—meaning no fries, no breading, none of the good stuff—but I was desperate for nuggets. The crispy kind. The ones you dunk in ranch without a second thought.

So, I raided my fridge. No almond flour. No pork rinds. Just chicken, mozzarella, and an egg. It was either get creative or give in to the drive-thru.

I threw everything in a bowl, shaped them into little nuggets, tossed them in the air fryer, and hoped for the best. And oh. my. goodness. They were insane. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. I dipped one in sugar-free BBQ sauce, another in spicy mayo, and then, before I knew it—gone. All of them.

If you’re looking for the easiest keto chicken nuggets that actually taste like fast food, you’ve found them.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

• Only three ingredients. No crazy keto substitutes—just chicken, cheese, and egg.
• Crispy without breadcrumbs. The cheese melts and forms a golden, crunchy coating.
• Quick & easy. 15 minutes, no mess, and no frying.
• Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and freeze them for later.
• Pairs with all your favorite sauces. Sugar-free BBQ, ranch, or even spicy mustard.

Ingredient Notes:

Simple ingredients = big flavor.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts – The base of the nuggets. Chop ‘em up or use a food processor.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Acts as a natural binder and crisps up beautifully.
• Egg – Holds everything together and keeps the nuggets tender.

Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before shaping the nuggets.

How To Make 3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets?

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Finely mince 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can use a knife (if you love a challenge) or a food processor (if you love convenience).

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a bowl, combine:

•  Minced chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 beaten egg

Use your hands to mix (yes, it’s messy, but worth it) until you get a moldable texture. If it’s too wet, chill it for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Nuggets

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and form into nugget-sized patties. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Pro Tip: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Nuggets

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.

Arrange the nuggets in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Air needs to circulate for that crispy finish.

Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the nuggets cool slightly (if you have the patience), then serve with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• Spicy Nuggets: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili powder.
• Cheesy Twist: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or parmesan for a deeper flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Roll the nuggets in crushed pork rinds before air frying.
• Different Protein: Use ground turkey or even salmon for a different spin.

What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets?

These nuggets are already delicious, but here’s how to take them to the next level:

• Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, and keto-approved.
• Keto Ranch Dressing – Creamy, tangy, and perfect for dunking.
• Avocado Slices – A fresh, creamy contrast to the crispy nuggets.
• Side Salad – Light, crunchy, and balances out the richness.
• Cauliflower Mash – When you want a real meal with your nuggets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yep! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do they actually get crispy without breadcrumbs?
Yes! The cheese crisps up in the air fryer, giving them a perfect golden crust.

Can I use pre-ground chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s not too wet—if it is, add a little extra cheese to help bind everything together.

And there you have it—the easiest, crispiest keto chicken nuggets you’ll ever make. Whether you’re meal prepping, craving fast food, or just need something to mindlessly dip in ranch, these nuggets deliver.

So, what’s your go-to dipping sauce? Ranch? BBQ? Spicy mayo? Tell me—because I need to know.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe)

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

These 3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets are a quick, low-carb alternative to traditional nuggets. Made with minced chicken, mozzarella cheese, and egg, they are crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect for dipping. A simple, gluten-free, and keto-friendly option.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg beaten

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. Using a sharp knife or a food processor, finely mince the boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they resemble a ground texture. Ensure the consistency is smooth to allow for easy mixing.

Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and moldable. If necessary, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before shaping.

Shape the Nuggets

1. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into small nugget-sized patties. Ensure all nuggets are of uniform size to promote even cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Cook the Nuggets

1. Place the shaped nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked inside.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your preferred keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as ranch, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or spicy mustard.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain breadcrumbs or flour. However, to ensure complete gluten-free compliance, verify that the mozzarella cheese and any dipping sauces used do not contain gluten-based additives or thickeners.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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