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Ultimate Crispy Keto Pork Rind Chicken Tenders

A pile of golden brown Keto Crispy Pork Rind Chicken Tenders stacked on a white plate, one is cut open showing the white meat.

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Make crispy, low-carb chicken tenders using crushed pork rinds instead of flour or breadcrumbs. This recipe includes instructions for both air frying and baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 cups plain pork rinds (chicharrones), finely crushed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coating stations. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until combined.
  2. In a second shallow bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
  3. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
  4. Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Next, press the chicken strip firmly into the pork rind mixture, coating all sides completely. Press the coating on to adhere it well.
  6. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
  7. For Air Fryer: Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  8. For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  9. Serve immediately with your preferred keto dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Crush the pork rinds finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
  • For extra crispiness in the oven, place the wire rack over the baking sheet before adding the tenders.
  • Keto dipping sauce ideas include sugar-free ranch, mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce, or avocado crema.

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