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Overhead shot of chicken nuggets with ketchup and bbq sauce.

Paleo Chicken Nuggets

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
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 416 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 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!

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.)

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!!

Notes

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 coconutbecause 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.

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 416kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 41gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 191mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 786mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
Keywords air fried chicken nuggets, baked chicken nuggets, Chicken Nuggets, Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, Paleo Chicken Nuggets
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