If you’re craving that classic fried chicken crunch while sticking to your keto diet, this recipe for air fryer keto fried chicken is perfect. By using almond flour and Parmesan cheese in place of traditional breading, you’ll get that crispy exterior without the carbs. Cooking the chicken thighs in the air fryer keeps them juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy fried chicken guilt-free!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and the coating will get nice and crispy. - Prepare the Breading Mixture
In a bowl, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and create the perfect keto breading mixture. The Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor and helps with crispiness. - Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Drying the chicken will help the breading stick better and result in a crispier coating. If you prefer, you can also remove the skin, but leaving it on helps to achieve that extra crunch. - Dip the Chicken in Egg
In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg, coating it thoroughly. The egg acts as a binder, helping the almond flour mixture adhere to the chicken. - Coat the Chicken with Breading
After dipping in the egg, immediately coat the chicken thigh in the almond flour mixture. Press the mixture firmly onto the chicken, making sure every part is coated evenly. This will give you that crispy, golden crust once it’s cooked. - Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. - Cook the Chicken
Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes in). This helps both sides of the chicken to get crispy and golden. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. - Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, ensuring the chicken stays moist on the inside while the outside remains crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts typically take less time (20-25 minutes), while drumsticks might need a bit longer (30-35 minutes). Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
2. How do I make the coating extra crispy?
To make the coating extra crispy, you can add a small amount of baking powder (about 1/2 tsp) to the almond flour mixture. This helps create a crunchier crust in the air fryer.
3. Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute coconut flour, but be aware that coconut flour absorbs more moisture than almond flour. Use only 1/4 cup of coconut flour and monitor the texture of the breading. It will give the chicken a slightly different flavor and texture.
4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the breading mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. However, it’s best to coat and cook the chicken just before serving to maintain the crispiness.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Tips for the Best Keto Fried Chicken
- Get Extra Crispy: For an even crispier texture, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the almond flour and Parmesan mixture. This helps the coating puff up and crisp better in the air fryer.
- Preheat for Crispiness: Always preheat your air fryer. Starting with a hot air fryer allows the chicken to crisp up faster and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking. The skin also adds extra crispiness when cooked in the air fryer.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: If you like a thicker crust, dip the chicken in the egg and almond flour mixture twice. This will give you an extra crispy layer.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give the chicken space in the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation. This ensures every piece gets crispy and golden.
- Freeze Before Frying: For even crispier chicken, freeze the breaded chicken thighs for about 15-20 minutes before air frying. This helps the breading firm up and stick better during cooking.
- Don’t Skip Flipping: Flipping the chicken halfway through ensures both sides cook evenly and gives you that delicious, golden brown crust.
This air fryer keto fried chicken is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. The almond flour and Parmesan breading adds a nutty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken thighs. Serve it with a keto-friendly dipping sauce or alongside a crisp salad for a complete, low-carb meal. With minimal prep and no messy frying, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prep!
Leave a Reply