Craving something spicy, crispy, and totally guilt-free? These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are your new go-to! Packed with bold flavor, these nuggets are a healthier take on the classic comfort food without sacrificing taste or crunch. Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb lifestyle, meal prepping for the week, or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big on satisfaction with none of the carbs.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, game day snacks, or even tossed over a buffalo chicken salad, these Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are as versatile as they are addictive. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and your oven or air fryer, you’ll have a batch of sizzling, golden bites ready to dip in your favorite sauce. Keto-friendly, Whole30, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious, this is one chicken nugget recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and your oven or air fryer, you’ll have a batch of sizzling, golden bites ready to dip in your favorite sauce. For more guilt-free inspiration, see our crunchy Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets, a crispy favorite loved by kids and adults alike.
In This Recipe
In This Recipe
How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets at Home
Craving a bold, spicy, and satisfying bite? These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are crispy, low-carb, and perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to game-day snacking. With just a handful of clean, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour using your oven or air fryer. Ready to dive in? Check out the full recipe below for step-by-step directions and pro tips to make these nuggets your new favorite.
PrintKeto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Snack
- Method: Oven or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 tbsp buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s Original)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Breading:
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup melted ghee
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, almond flour, buffalo sauce, egg, and seasonings. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Prep Oven/Air Fryer: Preheat oven to 400°F or prep air fryer basket. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil.
- Shape Nuggets: Shape 1.5 tbsp of mixture into nugget shapes. Coat lightly in coconut flour mix.
- Cook:
Oven: Bake 20 mins, then dip in buffalo sauce + ghee mix. Bake 10–15 more minutes. Broil 2–3 mins if desired.
Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flip halfway. Brush with sauce during or after.
- Optional Glaze: Brush cooked nuggets with more sauce for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or air fryer for 8–10 minutes.
- Variations: Add shredded cheese, adjust heat with cayenne, or swap almond flour for cassava.
Nutrition
- Calories: 264
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
Step-by-Step Instructions
These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer, the process is simple and foolproof. Follow these steps for perfect nuggets every time.
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, almond flour, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined, avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape the nuggets later.
2. Preheat and Prep
While the chicken mixture chills, preheat your oven to 400°F. If using an air fryer, no preheating is necessary for most models. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil.
In a small bowl, mix the coconut flour and salt for the breading.
3. Shape and Bread the Nuggets
Lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking. Take about 1.5 tablespoons of the chilled chicken mixture and form it into a flat oval or egg-shaped nugget. Dredge each nugget lightly in the coconut flour mixture, ensuring a thin, even coat.
Place each coated nugget directly onto the prepared baking sheet or air fryer tray.
4. Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. Using tongs, dip each nugget into the buffalo sauce and ghee mixture. Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another 10–15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes if you like extra crunch.
Air Fryer Method:
Place nuggets in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with buffalo sauce during the last few minutes of cooking or after removing from the basket. Want even more crispy convenience? Try our Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets made easy for another simple twist.
5. Optional: Brush with Extra Sauce
For a saucier finish, brush the freshly cooked nuggets with an additional layer of the buffalo and ghee mixture. This step boosts flavor and gives your Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets that irresistible glossy finish.
For another delicious variation, check out our insanely delicious keto chicken nuggets recipe that’s just as crispy, easy, and crowd-pleasing!
Why You’ll Love These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
When it comes to flavor-packed, low-carb meals, Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets check all the boxes. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with bold buffalo flavor, these nuggets prove that comfort food and clean eating can go hand-in-hand.
Diet-Friendly Delight
These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are more than just tasty. They’re a powerhouse of dietary flexibility, keto, Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free all in one. You can feel great about serving them to friends or family with different dietary needs.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Time is precious, and these nuggets respect that. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour to prepare. Whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer, Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets come together fast without compromising on flavor or texture.
Versatile Serving Options
Enjoy Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets for dinner, lunch, snacks, or appetizers. Toss a few into a salad, dip them in ranch, or eat them straight off the tray. They are versatile enough for any meal or occasion.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Batch cook these nuggets and freeze them for later. They reheat like a dream, making Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets a smart choice for busy weeks when you need something quick, healthy, and satisfying.
Tips and Variations
These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are easy to customize and even easier to perfect. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or personal taste, here are some pro tips and delicious variations to keep things exciting.
Ingredient Swaps
Want to avoid almond flour?
You can substitute coconut flour or cassava flour. Keep in mind, coconut flour is more absorbent, so you’ll need less of it, start with 1/4 cup and adjust as needed. Cassava flour offers a 1:1 swap and is a great grain-free option.
No ground chicken?
Use finely chopped or shredded chicken breast. You’ll skip the egg and almond flour in the mix and instead coat the chicken pieces in a beaten egg before dredging in the breading.
Not strictly dairy-free?
Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan to the nugget mixture for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.
Adjust the Heat
Not everyone wants a full-on spice blast. For a milder bite, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce in the chicken mixture. If you love the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier buffalo blend.
Make It Cheesy
Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the chicken mixture for cheesy, melty nuggets that still stay keto. Be sure to press them firmly so they hold together while cooking.
Air Fryer Advantage
Prefer a crunchier finish without extra oil? The air fryer creates ultra-crispy Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets with minimal mess and time. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking.
Serving Ideas
- As a meal: Pair with a side of cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.
- As an appetizer: Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip.
- In a salad: Chop and toss over fresh greens with avocado and a drizzle of buffalo ranch.
Love bold flavors? Explore more options with our insanely delicious Keto Chicken Nuggets that bring big flavor with no carbs.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best parts of making Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets is how well they store and reheat, perfect for meal prep or next-day cravings. With the right technique, you can enjoy their bold flavor and crispy texture all over again.
How to Store
Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets keep well in the fridge or freezer:
- Refrigerator: After cooling completely, store the nuggets in an airtight container. Your Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets for up to 3 months with great results.
When to Freeze: Before or After Cooking?
You can freeze Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets before or after cooking:
- Before cooking: Shape and bread the nuggets, then freeze. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake or air fry time.
- After cooking: Cool the nuggets, freeze in a single layer, and store. Reheat as needed.
How to Reheat
To bring your Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets back to crispy perfection:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. For extra flavor, brush with buffalo sauce after reheating.
Nutritional Information
Knowing what goes into your food is key when you’re tracking macros or sticking to a specific plan. These Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets don’t just taste amazing, they also fit beautifully into a low-carb lifestyle.
Per Serving (Approximate for 6 Servings)
- Calories: 264
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 8g
- Net Carbs: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Total Carbs: 1g
These stats make Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets a fantastic option for those on keto, Whole30, or anyone looking for a protein-rich, low-carb meal.
Because they’re made with whole ingredients like ground chicken, almond flour, and healthy fats, Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets offer not just macronutrient balance but clean fuel your body can use.
Want them even leaner? Use ground chicken breast instead of dark meat. Craving more fat? Add shredded cheese to the mix all while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions people have when making Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets at home.
How many carbs are in Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets?
Each serving of Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets contains approximately 0g net carbs, making them perfect for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. This can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of buffalo sauce and flour used.
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, coconut flour can be used, but it’s more absorbent than almond flour. Start with about 1/4 the amount and adjust the consistency of your Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets mixture as needed. You may need to add another egg or a splash of buffalo sauce for moisture.
Can I freeze Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets?
Absolutely. Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets freeze well both before and after cooking. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. They reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Will frozen buffalo chicken nuggets go bad in the fridge?
If left in the fridge too long uncooked, yes. Frozen Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets should go straight to the freezer unless you plan to cook them within 1–2 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
How do you store buffalo chicken nuggets after cooking?
Store cooked Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Should you freeze homemade chicken nuggets before or after cooking?
You can do either. Freezing Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets before cooking saves prep time later, while freezing after cooking makes reheating quick and easy.
How to reheat homemade frozen chicken nuggets?
Preheat your oven to 375°F or use an air fryer. Heat Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets for 10–12 minutes or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Conclusion
If you’re craving bold flavor without breaking your low-carb goals, these Keto Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are the answer. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and bursting with spicy buffalo goodness, they’re an easy win for any meal from weeknight dinners to game day snacks. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in under an hour, they’re proof that eating clean doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Make a batch, freeze some for later, and enjoy the spicy, crunchy goodness whenever the craving hits. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought nuggets again.
Connect With Us
If you love healthy and simple recipes, follow VivaLyze on Facebook to find daily wellness ideas and natural remedies.
Discover beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on VivaLyze on Pinterest and discover your new feel-good solution!