Keto fried chicken that actually tastes like fried chicken? Sounds like a scam, but it’s not. This recipe delivers the crispy, juicy, finger-licking goodness you crave—without the carbs.
No weird aftertaste, no sad “healthy” texture. Just pure crunch. You’ll question whether it’s actually keto.
Spoiler: it is. And it’s stupidly easy to make. Ready to ruin takeout for yourself forever?
Why This Recipe Slaps
Most keto fried chicken recipes taste like disappointment wrapped in almond flour.
This one? Golden, crispy, and holds up to dipping. The secret? A blend of almond flour and spices that mimics traditional fried chicken coating. No egg wash pooling at the bottom of your plate.
No soggy crust. Just a perfect bite every time. Even non-keto eaters will steal pieces off your plate.
Ingredients (No Weird Stuff)
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless thighs (or breasts, if you’re boring).
- Almond flour: 1 cup (super-fine, not almond meal—unless you enjoy grit).
- Parmesan: ½ cup grated (the powdery kind, not fancy shreds).
- Spices: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.
- Egg wash: 2 eggs beaten (yes, you need this).
- Oil: Avocado or coconut oil for frying (don’t use olive oil unless you enjoy smoke alarms).
Step-by-Step (No Excuses)
- Prep the chicken: Pat it dry with paper towels.
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Mix the coating: Combine almond flour, Parmesan, and spices in a bowl. Taste it. Adjust salt if needed.
- Dip and coat: Dunk each piece in egg wash, then roll in the almond flour mix.
Press firmly so it sticks.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (use a thermometer, or guess and risk sadness). Fry for 5–6 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain: Place on a wire rack, not paper towels. Soggy bottoms are for muffins, not chicken.
Storage (Because Leftovers Happen)
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer—microwaving turns it into rubber. Freezer: Freeze cooked pieces on a tray first, then transfer to a bag.
Reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. No one likes freezer-burnt chicken.
Why This Recipe Wins
Macro-friendly: Each piece has under 3g net carbs. High protein: Keeps you full longer than sad salads. No guilt: Eat fried chicken without derailing keto. Versatile: Pair with buffalo sauce, ranch, or eat it plain like a savage. Plus, it’s gluten-free—because apparently that matters to some people.
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)
- Using almond meal: It’s gritty.
Super-fine almond flour or bust.
- Overcrowding the pan: Chicken needs space. Fry in batches or accept steamed chicken.
- Skipping the wire rack: Paper towels trap steam. Say hello to soggy crust.
- Wrong oil temperature: Too cold = greasy.
Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside. Thermometers are $10.
Alternatives (For the Picky)
Air fryer method: Spray coated chicken with oil, cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Less crispy but fewer dishes. Pork rind coating: Swap half the almond flour for crushed pork rinds if you’re extra keto. Baked version: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
It’s fine, but let’s be real—fried is better.
FAQ
Can I use chicken wings?
Yes, but adjust cooking time. Wings take longer—about 8–10 minutes per side. No one likes salmonella.
Why not just use coconut flour?
Coconut flour absorbs moisture like a sponge.
You’ll end up with dry, crumbly chicken. Hard pass.
Can I make this ahead?
Coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. Any longer and the coating gets weird.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you want it to be.
Add cayenne or hot sauce to the coating if you like heat.
What’s the best dip?
Ranch, buffalo sauce, or sugar-free BBQ. Or melted butter, because keto.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just “good for keto” fried chicken. It’s legitimately good fried chicken. Crispy, juicy, and addictive.
Make it once, and you’ll never miss the carb-loaded version. FYI, you’re welcome.
Andreas – Keto recipe creator who lost 40lbs and discovered his love for low-carb cooking. 300+ tested recipes | 5 years of keto experience | Real food for real people. No certifications, just results that taste amazing!