These Paleo Chicken Nuggets are the perfect healthy alternative! They're made with simple ingredients like cassava flour, shredded coconut, and egg. They can be air fried or baked, and don't require oil! Great for anyone who is Paleo, Gluten-Free, or doing Whole30.

Overhead shot of chicken nuggets with ketchup and bbq sauce.

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🍴Ingredient Notes
Helpful Kitchen Tools
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken Nugget Side Ideas
How to store & reheat leftovers
Recipe
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💬 Reviews

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🍴Ingredient Notes

Cassava Flour - If you're not familiar with cassava flour, it's a great gluten-free flour alternative! It has a very light, powdery texture, and it’s made from Yuca. You can find it on amazon, or at most natural markets. (Whole Foods!) I have not tested with any other flours yet, but I believe it would also work with a gluten-free 1-1 flour.
Finely Shredded Unsweetened Coconut - I use the brand Terrasoul because they have a very light, finely shredded coconut that works great for baking recipes. Make sure to check the label before purchasing because they also have a "medium" shredded coconut that's a little thicker. I also use this coconut in my Crispy Sweet Potato Tots recipe!
Eggs - I would not swap the eggs for an egg replacement.
Chicken Breast - I used Butcher Box chicken breast, but I also love the Bell & Evans brand! You can use medium/large chicken breasts, or the smaller tender size. It's totally up to you!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Ninja Kitchen Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven - This is what I used to air fry my chicken nuggets, but you can also bake them! The reason why I love this oven so much, is that it's extremely versatile! You can bake, broil, toast, air fry, and dehydrate. In traditional air fryers, you can't fit a flat sheet pan inside. I like that I can still spread them out easily on a regular baking sheet, even when I use the air fry function. I have not tested the recipe using a standing upright air fryer!
Small Whisk
Non-Stick Baking Sheet

🍴Step by Step Instructions

Preparing the Outer Coating

To start, you'll need three small bowls, and a plate for your chicken. Add Cassava flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the first bowl. Use a whisk to blend until fully combined.
In the second bowl add your cup of finely shredded coconut. You can also mix in a pinch of salt + pepper but it's not necessary.
In the third bowl, crack both eggs. (Use your whisk to blend them.)

Overhead shot of baking tools and ingredients.

Preparing the Chicken

If you're using larger chicken breasts, cut them to your desired size. (Try to keep them all around the same size so they cook evenly.) You can also use mini chicken tender strips if you don't want to slice them up!
Use a fork, pick up a piece of chicken and dip it into the eggs. Then dip it into the cassava flour mixture, back into the egg wash, then into your shredded coconut. Place onto your non-stick baking sheet. Repeat until you've covered each piece of chicken.

Baking or Air Frying

Set your oven to 375 degrees. I used my Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven on the air fry setting, but you can bake them as well!
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip any that look a little less golden brown on the top. Bake for another 2 minutes, then remove. Let them cool for a couple minutes before removing them from the pan.
Dip in your favorite sauce, or serve with a vegetable stir fry! Enjoy!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake them in the oven vs. the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them or air fry them! If you bake them, they might take a little longer to get crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they have a golden brown coating on the outside.

Can I use a 1-1 gluten-free flour instead of cassava flour?

I have not tried using a 1-1 gluten-free flour with this recipe, but I’m sure it would work! Cassava flour has a very similar texture to regular flour. If you try with a 1-1 gluten-free flour, I would use less to start, and add a little more if you find it’s necessary. I’ve noticed that it can be more absorbent.

What sauce should I dip my chicken nuggets in?

Personally, I love dipping them in ketchup, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or hot sauce! (Primal Kitchen is my favorite brand because they don’t have any added sugar!)

What kind of shredded coconut do you use for this recipe?

I use finely shredded coconut because it’s light, and creates a nice “breadcrumb” coating on the outside. I’ve tried thicker shredded coconut, and it doesn’t have the same consistency. It will work, but in my opinion, it’s not as good.

Close up shot of chicken nugget dipped in bbq sauce.

Chicken Nugget Side Ideas

I love serving them over a fresh salad! Prep your favorite salad combination, and serve the chicken nuggets overtop. It's a great way to get in your greens and fiber!
Whenever I'm in a rush, I love serving my chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce and a side of mashed avocado! Avocado is a great source of fat and fiber!
My Paleo Fried "Rice" or Simple Vegetable Stir Fry are also great options!

How to store & reheat leftovers

It’s best to store leftovers in an air tight glass container in the refrigerator. They will last about 5 days. Any longer, and I would suggest freezing them in a freezer bag or air tight Tupperware container.

You can reheat leftovers in the microwave, but I find they can get a bit soggy. My favorite way to reheat them is in the air fryer because it’s fast, easy, and they stay super crispy! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat them in a small frying pan on the stovetop or bake them for a few minutes in the oven.

More chicken recipes!

Recipe

Paleo Chicken Nuggets

Name: Paleo Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1/3 Cup Cassava Flour; 1 Cup Shredded Coconut; 1/4 Teaspoon Salt; 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder; 2 Medium Sized Eggs; 1-1.5 Pounds Chicken Breast (I used three medium sized chicken breasts. You can also use mini tender strips! )

These Crispy Paleo Chicken Nuggets are the perfect healthy alternative! They're made with simple ingredients like cassava flour, shredded coconut, and egg. They can be air fried or baked, and don't require oil! Great for anyone who is Paleo, Gluten-Free, or doing Whole30.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 17 mins

Total Time 37 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 416 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

⅓ Cup Cassava Flour
1 Cup Shredded Coconut
¼ Teaspoon Salt
¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 Medium Sized Eggs
1-1.5 Pounds Chicken Breast I used three medium sized chicken breasts. You can also use mini tender strips!