Carnivore chicken fries are the ultimate snack or meal for those following a carnivore diet or anyone looking for a high-protein, low-carb option. This recipe is incredibly simple yet delivers a crispy exterior and juicy chicken on the inside. Whether you’re frying them in a pan or using an air fryer, you can easily customize these fries with your favorite seasonings while sticking to animal-based ingredients. Get ready to indulge in a flavorful treat that will satisfy your cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Carnivore-Friendly: Perfect for those adhering to a carnivore diet.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings to your liking, keeping it carnivore-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or chicken tenders
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pork rinds, crushed into fine crumbs (or more as needed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a carnivore-friendly seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
- Beef tallow, lard, or butter for frying
How To MakeCarnivore Chicken Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing the chicken breast into strips, aiming for about ½ inch thickness to resemble fries. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the coating sticks properly.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds, Parmesan (if you’re using it), salt, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, roll the chicken in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Arrange the coated strips on a plate or tray, ready for frying.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken Fries
Pan-Frying Method
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough tallow, lard, or butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Fry the chicken fries in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken fries to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Air-Frying Method
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with butter or cooking spray. Place the chicken fries in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
Serving Ideas
Serve your crispy carnivore chicken fries with dipping sauces like melted cheese, carnivore-friendly mayo, or beef broth. For a more substantial meal, pair them with crispy bacon or a fried egg.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fries
- Crush Pork Rinds Thoroughly: Use a food processor or place pork rinds in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin for an even crumb.
- Season Generously: Customize your seasoning with additional carnivore-friendly spices or herbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken fries in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Monitor the Temperature: Keep the frying oil at medium heat to avoid burning the coating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well too and add more juiciness to the dish.
2. Are pork rinds necessary?
Pork rinds create the crispy exterior, but you can substitute with more Parmesan or other low-carb options.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier alternative.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best crispiness.
5. Can I freeze the uncooked chicken fries?
Absolutely! Place the breaded chicken fries on a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Easy Carnivore Chicken Fries
Carnivore chicken fries are the ultimate snack or meal for those following a carnivore diet or anyone looking for a high-protein, low-carb option. This recipe is incredibly simple yet delivers a crispy exterior and juicy chicken on the inside. Whether you’re frying them in a pan or using an air fryer, you can easily customize these fries with your favorite seasonings while sticking to animal-based ingredients. Get ready to indulge in a flavorful treat that will satisfy your cravings!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or chicken tenders
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pork rinds, crushed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Beef tallow, lard, or butter
Instructions
- Slice chicken into strips and pat dry.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. Combine crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, salt, and seasonings in another bowl.
- Dip chicken strips into egg, then coat with the pork rind mixture.
- For pan-frying, cook in tallow or butter for 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat.
- For air-frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with dipping sauces or pair with bacon and eggs.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 280 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 0g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 450mg