Canned Chicken Nuggets

Name: Canned Chicken Nuggets with Pork Rind Coating
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (12.5 oz) canned chicken, drained; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup pork rind crumbs; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; cooking oil spray, as needed; ranch dressing, for serving

These canned chicken nuggets combine drained canned chicken with melted cheddar, egg, and seasoned pork rind crumbs for a crispy, keto-friendly nugget that's ready in under 15 minutes.

⚡Air Fryer

🌍American 🏷️Chicken nuggets 🏷️Canned chicken 🏷️Keto 🏷️Low-carb Easy recipe

🏷️

🏷️Quick meal

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

5

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 can (12.5 oz) canned chicken, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup pork rind crumbs
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
cooking oil spray, as needed
ranch dressing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Drain the canned chicken well.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the drained chicken, shredded cheese, and egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
3
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the pork rind crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
4
Form the chicken mixture into nugget-sized patties.
5
Press each nugget into the seasoned pork rind mixture, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides.
6
Place the coated nuggets on an air fryer tray or baking sheet.
7
Spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray, then flip them and spray the other side.
8
Air fry at the highest setting (around 400°F or 200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
9
Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Drain the canned chicken thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere and crisp better.
Mix the egg and cheese into the chicken fully before coating to ensure even binding and flavor throughout each nugget.
Use cooking oil spray rather than pan frying to keep these lean and keto-friendly while still achieving a crispy exterior.
Form nuggets roughly the same size so they cook evenly; smaller nuggets crisp faster, larger ones need extra time.

Substitutions

Canned chicken → canned tuna or canned salmon (adjust seasoning accordingly)
Cheddar cheese → mozzarella, gruyere, or any hard cheese (sharp cheddar adds more flavor)
Pork rind crumbs → crushed pork rinds, almond flour with parmesan, or panko breadcrumbs (non-keto option)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

air fryer (optional but recommended for crispier results)

Common Questions

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Yes, but you'd need to cook and shred fresh chicken first, which adds prep time. Canned chicken is already cooked and drained, making this recipe quick.

What can I use if I don't have pork rind crumbs?

Crushed pork rinds, almond flour mixed with grated parmesan, or traditional breadcrumbs work as replacements, though pork rinds keep it keto-friendly.