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Keto Fried Chicken (Air Fryer or Oven) Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This Keto Fried Chicken recipe offers a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional fried chicken, using coconut flour and crushed pork rinds for a crispy coating. Perfectly cooked in either an air fryer or oven, this tender, juicy chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme for a flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.

  • Total Time: 30-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 1/2 lbs Chicken drumsticks

Coating Mix

  • 1/4 cup Wholesome Yum Coconut Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Pork rinds (2.25 oz), crushed
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Dried thyme
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prep The Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks to prepare them for coating.
  2. Prepare Coconut Flour Mixture: In a medium shallow bowl, combine coconut flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix well and set aside.
  3. Whisk Eggs: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten and set aside for dipping the chicken.
  4. Prepare Pork Rind Coating: In a third bowl, combine crushed pork rinds, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken drumstick first in the coconut flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, shake off excess, and press into the pork rind mixture to coat evenly. For best results, replenish the pork rind mixture as needed to prevent clumping.
  6. Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken drumsticks in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray on all sides.
  7. Cook in Air Fryer: Air fry the chicken for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
  8. Oven Method Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top for even heat circulation. Arrange the coated chicken drumsticks on the rack in a single layer.
  9. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  10. Flip and Continue Baking: Flip the drumsticks over and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 170°F (77°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Notes

  • Keep the pork rind mixture in a separate bowl and replenish the coating bowl frequently to avoid clumping.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the drumsticks and your appliance.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F for dark meat to be tender and safe to eat.
  • If you don’t have pork rinds, crushed pork cracklings or a low-carb cracker alternative can be substituted.
  • Spraying the chicken with cooking spray helps achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb