These crispy and tender chicken fries are the perfect way to enjoy a carnivore friendly meal that tastes just like your favorite fast-food chicken strips.
Made with simple ingredients like chicken breast and pork rinds, they’re a great option when you want something that feels like comfort food but stays true to your diet.
The best part about these chicken fries is how versatile they are. You can make them in either an air fryer or regular oven, and they come out perfectly crispy every time.
The pork rind coating gives them an amazing crunch that you might think impossible on a carnivore diet
If you’re tired of plain chicken and looking for new carnivore recipes, this one will definitely become a regular in your meal rotation.
These chicken fries are also great for meal prep – you can make a big batch and reheat them later. They keep their crunch surprisingly well, and you can even eat them cold with some carnivore friendly dipping sauce if you’re on the go.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein Packed: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. This recipe is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake without compromising on taste.
Low Carb: By using crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. This makes it an ideal choice for those following a low carb or carnivore diet.
Freezer Friendly: You can make a large batch and freeze these chicken fries for later. They freeze really well and maintain their texture when reheated properly. This is perfect for meal planning or having emergency carnivore friendly food ready to go.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (cut into thin strips)
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- 3.5 oz pork rinds (use these pork rinds– amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Optional: 3/4 teaspoon Paprika , 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit for strict carnivore)
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this recipe to make the best carnivore chicken fries:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (or preheat the oven to 425°F if using the oven method).
Step 2
In a shallow dish, mix the crushed pork rinds with the seasonings. In another dish, add the beaten eggs.
Step 3
Take each chicken strip and coat it in the egg. Then dip it in the pork rind mixture, making sure it is well coated.
Step 4
Air Fryer Method:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the chicken strips in a single layer (air fry in batches if needed). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven Method:
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray the rack with cooking oil. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the wire rack in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy. Flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking for even browning.
Step 5
After removing the chicken strips from the oven or air fryer, let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the coating to set.
💡Tips
1. Cut Even Strips
Try to cut all your chicken strips the same size. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from getting overcooked while others are still raw inside.
The best way to do this is to first cut the chicken breast in half horizontally to make it thinner, then cut it into strips. If some pieces are thicker than others, you can gently pound them with a meat mallet to even them out.
2. Don’t Overcrowd
Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, give each chicken strip enough space. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, and you’ll end up with soggy coating.
In the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with small gaps between each piece. If using an oven, make sure the strips aren’t touching each other on the wire rack. It’s better to cook in batches than to crowd them.
3. Watch The Color
The pork rind coating can go from perfectly golden to too dark pretty quickly. Start checking the color at the 8-minute mark in the air fryer or 12-minute mark in the oven. They should be golden brown, not dark brown.
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FAQ
Can I freeze these chicken fries?
Yes, these freeze really well! After cooking and cooling completely, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching. Freeze them like this for about 2 hours until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
What if my coating keeps falling off?
Make sure your chicken is completely dry before starting – pat it thoroughly with paper towels. Also, don’t skip the egg step – the egg is like glue that holds everything together.
And, really press the pork rind coating onto each piece firmly. After coating, let them sit for about 5 minutes before cooking – this helps the coating stick better.
Carnivore Chicken Fries
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (cut into thin strips)
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- 3.5 oz Pork Rinds (use these pork rinds- amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Optional: 3/4 teaspoon Paprika , 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (or preheat the oven to 425°F if using the oven method).
- In a shallow dish, mix the crushed pork rinds with the seasonings. In another dish, add the beaten eggs.
- Take each chicken strip and coat it in the egg. Then dip it in the pork rind mixture, making sure it is well coated.
- Air Fryer Method:Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the chicken strips in a single layer (air fry in batches if needed). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.Oven Method:Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray the rack with cooking oil. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the wire rack in a single layer.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy. Flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking for even browning.
- After removing the chicken strips from the oven or air fryer, let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the coating to set.