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 begging for your favorite sauce.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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 kind you dunk in ranch without even thinking about it.
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
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. Curious why mozzarella works so well in low-carb recipes? This guide on cheeses for keto cooking breaks it all down.
- 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
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.
If you’re new to air frying, this beginner’s guide to air fryer cooking breaks it all down—from how it works to common mistakes to avoid.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the nuggets cool slightly (if you have the patience), then serve with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
How To Make Keto Chicken Nuggets with Canned Chicken
Yes, you can absolutely use canned chicken for a quick shortcut! Here’s how to turn that pantry staple into crave-worthy nuggets:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Want To Save This Recipe?
Open your canned chicken and drain it really well—you want it as dry as possible for extra crunch. Pro tip: Press it with a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towel to get rid of excess moisture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add your thoroughly dried canned chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a beaten egg. Stir everything together until you’ve got a workable mixture.
Step 3: Shape Your Nuggets
Scoop out the mixture and form nugget-sized portions. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into your classic nuggets (or get creative—dinosaur shapes, anyone?).
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C)—same temp you’d use for baking fresh nuggets. Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Want them even crispier? Let them go for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Dip Away
Give them a minute or two to cool, then serve them up warm with your favorite keto-friendly dip—spicy mustard, ranch, or sugar-free BBQ sauce…the world is your (nugget) oyster!
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.
Craving something cozy for later in the week? Try my Keto Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup, it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor (and yes, still totally low-carb).
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.
Baking Tips for Perfect Nuggets
If you’re baking your nuggets instead of air frying, spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Craving an extra crispy bite? Leave them in for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
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
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.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
3 Ingredient Keto Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg beaten
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Food processor or sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing basket
- Tongs (for flipping nuggets)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
Nutrition
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!
2 Responses
Are you using raw or cooked chicken??
Hi Ro! Great question—and yes, I’m using raw chicken in this recipe. In Step 1, it mentions finely mincing boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or using a food processor), then mixing that raw chicken with the mozzarella and egg before shaping and air frying. No need to cook the chicken ahead—it all comes together in the air fryer for that crispy outside and juicy inside!
– Bitty