Chicken wings are a popular food choice for those on a keto diet. They are high in protein and fat, and when unbreaded and coated in buffalo sauce, they are keto-friendly.
The wings can be baked, fried, or air-fried, and tossed in a low-carb seasoning or sauce. They are naturally low in carbs, and the fat content can be managed by leaving the skin on or taking it off.
There are a few tricks to achieving crispy wings, including baking them on a wire rack, and sprinkling them with baking powder before cooking.
Buffalo sauce typically consists of hot sauce, butter, and garlic, and is low-carb and keto-friendly.
So, if you're on a keto diet and craving some wings, go ahead and indulge! Just remember to check the ingredients and cooking methods to ensure they fit within your dietary needs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 1g |
Protein | 31g |
Fat | 32g |
Calories | 391 |
Bake Time | 45 minutes |
Cook Time | 5-10 minutes |
Total Time | 50-55 minutes |
Sauce | Buffalo |
Sauce | Ranch |
Sauce | Blue Cheese |
Sauce | Honey Mustard |
Sauce | Barbecue |
What You'll Learn
Keto buffalo wings are low-carb
Chicken wings are a great keto-friendly option as they are high in protein and fat, and contain zero carbs. However, when breading or sauces are added, the carb count increases.
A great way to make keto-friendly buffalo wings is to bake them instead of frying. This healthier option can be made even crispier by using a secret ingredient: baking powder. This ingredient raises the pH level of the wings, allowing the skin to break down and make a crispy brown crust.
When making keto buffalo wings, it is important to use a buffalo sauce that does not contain added sugar. Frank's RedHot® sauce is a popular choice as it contains zero grams of added sugar.
Ingredients:
- 12 frozen chicken wings
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank's RedHot®)
- 1 minced fresh garlic clove
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for less spicy wings)
- 1 dash cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Using a wire rack with a baking dish or sheet underneath, spread wings evenly. The wire rack will prevent the wings from getting soggy.
- Rub the wings with your oil of choice (avoid coconut oil as the flavors will compete) and then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- While the wings are baking, add the garlic and butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot and melted.
- Once melted, add the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to the saucepan and mix together.
- When the wings are cooked, toss them in a bowl with the sauce until coated.
- Serve the keto buffalo wings alone or with salad, celery, or blue cheese crumbles.
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They are baked, not fried
Baking your keto buffalo chicken wings is a healthier alternative to frying. It is also a lot easier and fuss-free. You can bake a big batch without needing any special equipment.
How to bake keto buffalo chicken wings
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, place your chicken wings on a wire rack fitted inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until they are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Tips for baking keto buffalo chicken wings
- Use baking powder. This is the secret ingredient for super crispy buffalo chicken wings. It absorbs moisture on the surface of the skin.
- Use a wire rack. A rack circulates air better, allowing wings to bake up crispier.
- Line the pan underneath the rack with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
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They are made with simple ingredients
Chicken wings are a great option for keto as they are naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein. The key to keeping them keto-friendly is to avoid breading and opt for low-carb sauces.
The ingredients for keto buffalo chicken wings are simple and easy to find. Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken wings (drumettes and/or flats)
- Baking powder (NOT baking soda)
- Salt and pepper
- Buffalo sauce
- Unsalted butter
Optional ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
To make the wings, simply toss them with baking powder, salt, and pepper, and arrange them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake until crispy and golden.
While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by melting butter and mixing it with your favourite buffalo sauce. Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce, and they're ready to be devoured!
These keto buffalo wings are best served fresh, but you can also store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later. They make a great appetizer, snack, or meal and are perfect for game day or parties.
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They are slathered with a low-carb sticky sauce
Chicken wings are a fantastic food to include on a keto diet. They are easy to prepare and have no carbs in them. The wings will be keto-friendly if they are not breaded and only coated in buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce is usually made with butter, hot sauce, and keto honey. The butter in the sauce helps the sauce cling to the wings, so they stay nice and saucy.
There are two key tips for making extra crispy keto chicken wings. Firstly, bake them on a wire rack over a baking sheet so that air can circulate all around them. Secondly, sprinkle them with baking powder before baking. The baking powder raises the pH level of the wings, allowing the skin to break down and make a crispy brown crust. Be careful not to use baking soda by mistake, as it will make the wings bitter.
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They are customizable to your taste buds
Chicken wings are a fantastic food to include in a keto diet. They are easy to prepare and have no carbs. You can bake them, fry them, air fry them, and use a variety of seasonings with them.
The beauty of buffalo chicken wings is that they are customisable to your taste buds. You can make them extra spicy or sweet, depending on your preference. For instance, you can add more Frank's RedHot or a bit of cayenne powder to make the buffalo wings spicier. On the other hand, you can reduce the Frank's RedHot and add more butter to make them milder.
If you prefer sweeter BBQ wings, you can replace the buffalo sauce with a mix of Frank's RedHot, keto BBQ sauce, and steak seasoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken wings are keto-friendly as they are high in protein and fat, and contain zero carbs. However, when breading or sauces are added, the carb count increases.
Baking, grilling, or air frying are the best methods to cook keto-friendly chicken wings. Avoid traditional frying methods as they may push the wings out of the keto territory.
To make keto buffalo sauce, simply combine butter, hot sauce, and garlic. You can also add in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Keto buffalo chicken wings go well with a variety of keto-friendly dips and sides, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and zucchini fries.
Yes, you can make keto buffalo chicken wings in an air fryer. Simply season the wings and cook them in the air fryer at 200C/400F for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they are cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.