Missing those crispy, golden nuggets of your childhood? Fear not, keto friends! This recipe delivers all the flavor and fun of chicken nuggets, minus the unwanted carbs and breading. We'll be using our trusty air fryer to achieve maximum crispness without the need for deep-frying.

This recipe is not just delicious, it's also:

• Low-Carb: Perfect for staying on track with your keto macros.

• Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Sugar-Free: No added sugars for a guilt-free indulgence.

• Easy to Make: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes!

• Kid-Friendly: A fun and healthy option for picky eaters.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for easy lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat: The Keto Breading Process

Since traditional breading is off-limits for keto, we'll be using a clever combination of dry and wet ingredients to create a flavorful, crispy coating. Here's what you'll need for the breading station:

• Almond Flour: 

This finely ground nut flour is a fantastic low-carb substitute for wheat flour. It provides a great base for our breading and absorbs any excess moisture from the chicken.

• Parmesan Cheese: 

Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory punch to the breading. Choose a good quality cheese for the best flavor.

• Spices: 

Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper are keto staples that add depth and warmth to the nuggets. Feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

• Eggs: 

Eggs act as a binder, holding the dry ingredients onto the chicken.

• Unsweetened Almond Milk (Optional): 

A splash of unsweetened almond milk thins the egg mixture and makes it easier to coat the chicken.

Pro Tip: 

Want a little extra "crunch"? Crush some pork rinds in a food processor and add them to your dry ingredient mix for a truly decadent, keto-friendly breading option.

The Main Event: Prepping the Chicken

Now that we have our breading station set up, let's get the chicken ready:

1. Choose Your Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders are ideal for this recipe. Chicken tenders are naturally nugget-shaped, saving you some prep time. However, chicken breasts can be easily cut into bite-sized pieces as well.
   
   

2. Chicken Cubing 101: If using chicken breasts, cut them into thin strips, then cube them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch each. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
   
   

3. Pat it Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. Excess moisture can prevent the breading from adhering properly.
   
   

Breading Like a Boss: Step-by-Step

With our prepped chicken and breading station ready, let's get down to business!

1. Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls in a row. In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and a splash of unsweetened almond milk (if using). In the second bowl, combine the almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, and your chosen spices. In the third bowl, leave it empty for now – this will be your "dry" coating step.
   
   

2. Dredge, Dip, and Coat: Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess drip back into the bowl.
   
   

3. Dry It Up: Transfer the chicken from the egg mixture to the empty bowl and toss it to coat it with a thin layer of air. This step helps create a nice, even breading later.
   
   

4. The Final Coat: Now comes the fun part! Transfer the chicken from the "dry" bowl to the almond flour mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to press the almond flour mixture firmly onto the chicken, ensuring it's completely coated. Repeat steps 2-4 for all the chicken pieces.
   
   

Air Frying to Crispy Perfection

Now that our chicken is beautifully breaded, it's time for the air fryer to work its magic!

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Most air fryers work best when preheated. Refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions, but generally, preheating to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes is recommended.
   
   

2. Arrange the Nuggets: Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding
   
   

Cost Breakdown:

This recipe is fairly budget-friendly. The exact cost will depend on your grocery prices, but here's a general idea:

• Chicken breasts or tenders: ~$5-7

• Almond flour: ~$4

• Parmesan cheese: ~$3

• Eggs: ~$2

• Spices: ~$1 (already in your pantry)

• Unsweetened almond milk (optional): ~$2

Total Estimated Cost: ~$17-22 (or ~$4.25-$5.50 per serving)