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Crispy Keto Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe with Easy Ranch Dip

crispy keto fried chicken air fryer - featured image

A low-carb, keto-friendly crispy fried chicken made in the air fryer with a crunchy almond flour and pork rind coating, paired with a creamy, tangy ranch dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1 cup almond flour (finely ground)
  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
  • For the Ranch Dip:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup crushed pork rinds, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until smooth.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the almond flour mixture. Press gently to adhere coating. Set aside on a plate or rack.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if possible, without overcrowding. Lightly spray with olive or avocado oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken, spray again, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden and crispy.
  8. While chicken cooks, mix ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes outside the air fryer before serving with ranch dip.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Crush pork rinds finely for even coating. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Spray lightly with oil to avoid sogginess. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. The ranch dip can be made ahead and tastes better after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto fried chicken, air fryer chicken, low carb fried chicken, crispy keto chicken, ranch dip, almond flour chicken, pork rind coating