How many carbs are in unbreaded fried chicken wings?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Plain, unbreaded chicken wings have virtually zero carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Understanding how many carbs are in unbreaded fried chicken wings is crucial for anyone monitoring their nutritional intake, as popular breadings and sauces can drastically alter the final carb count.

Quick Summary

Unbreaded chicken wings are naturally carbohydrate-free, consisting primarily of fat and protein. The carb content changes only with the addition of high-carb coatings like flour or sugary sauces, making plain versions suitable for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

Key Points

Zero Carbs (Plain): The meat and skin of a chicken wing contain no carbohydrates, making unbreaded fried wings virtually carb-free.
Breading Adds Carbs: Traditional flour-based breadings are the main source of carbohydrates in typical fried wings.
Sauces Can Increase Carbs: Many popular sauces, especially sweet and barbecue styles, are high in sugar and should be avoided on a low-carb diet.
Keto-Friendly Option: Unbreaded fried wings are a perfect fit for a ketogenic lifestyle when paired with low-carb seasonings and sauces.
Healthy Coating Alternatives: For added crunch, low-carb dieters can use alternatives like crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Preparation Method Matters for Fat: While deep-frying and air-frying don't impact the base carb count of unbreaded wings, air-frying uses less fat and is often a healthier choice.

The Nutritional Profile of Unbreaded Fried Chicken

When chicken wings are prepared without any coating, they contain no significant carbohydrates. The meat and skin of a chicken are naturally carbohydrate-free. For dieters following a keto or low-carb plan, this means the base of their meal is perfectly aligned with their goals. The nutritional content of an unbreaded fried wing is primarily composed of protein and fat, with the exact amount varying depending on the size of the wing and the cooking oil used. For example, a 100-gram serving of fried chicken wing with no coating can have a calorie breakdown of approximately 65% fat and 35% protein, with 0% carbs.

The Impact of Breading on Carb Content

One of the most common reasons fried chicken is high in carbohydrates is the breading. Traditional breading mixtures often contain wheat flour, cornstarch, or other high-carb ingredients. This is where the nutritional profile of a seemingly simple food can take a dramatic turn. A single breaded and fried wing can carry anywhere from 5 to 10 grams of carbs, and this can quickly accumulate when consuming multiple wings. For a low-carb diet, this can be enough to derail an entire day's carb allotment. The oil used for frying can also affect the overall caloric and fat content, but it is the coating that introduces the significant carbohydrate load.

Keto-Friendly Alternatives for Crispy Wings

Fortunately for those on a low-carb diet, it is possible to achieve a crispy fried wing without using traditional breading. Many keto-friendly recipes utilize alternative coatings that deliver a satisfying crunch while keeping the carb count low. Common alternatives include:

Almond Flour: A popular low-carb flour substitute that provides a light, crisp coating.
Crushed Pork Rinds: Ground pork rinds create a savory, crunchy exterior that is completely carbohydrate-free.
Whey Protein Powder: Unflavored whey protein can be used to coat wings for a crispy finish, adding protein without carbs.
Baking Powder: Some methods use a small amount of baking powder mixed with spices to create an ultra-crispy skin without adding any carbs.

Preparation Methods for Unbreaded Wings

While deep-frying is a classic method, other low-carb preparation options can reduce overall fat and calories while maintaining a delicious taste. The carb count, however, remains unaffected as long as no carby coatings or sauces are added. The primary difference lies in the fat content.

Deep Frying: This method involves submerging the wings in hot oil, resulting in a crispy, juicy wing. It is carb-free if no breading is used, but it adds more fat and calories than other methods.
Air Frying: An air fryer circulates hot air around the wings, mimicking the effect of deep frying with far less oil. It's a great way to get a crispy skin with fewer added calories.
Baking: Roasting the wings in a hot oven also yields a crispy skin, especially when using a wire rack to allow for even cooking. This method uses very little oil and is an excellent carb-free option.

Unbreaded Fried Chicken vs. Breaded Wings: A Nutritional Comparison

To highlight the difference, here is a comparison of the typical nutritional content of unbreaded and breaded fried chicken wings. It is important to remember that these values can vary based on specific recipes and wing sizes.


Nutrient	Unbreaded Fried Chicken Wing (approx. 1 wing)	Breaded Fried Chicken Wing (approx. 1 wing)
Calories	80-100 kcal	150-200 kcal
Protein	~11g	~13g
Fat	~4-7g	~11-13g
Carbohydrates	<1g (effectively zero)	5-10g (or more)
Sodium	282mg+	546mg+

The Role of Sauces and Seasonings

While unbreaded fried wings are carb-free, the seasonings and sauces applied afterward can re-introduce carbohydrates. Many popular wing sauces are loaded with sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients that can significantly raise the carb count. To keep your meal low-carb, opt for dry rubs made from herbs and spices or sugar-free sauces. A classic buffalo sauce, made from butter and hot sauce, is typically low-carb and keto-friendly, but always check the ingredients. Avoiding sweet or barbeque-style sauces is a general rule for minimizing carb intake.

Conclusion

For those wondering how many carbs are in unbreaded fried chicken wings, the answer is remarkably simple: almost none. The true carb count of a fried wing is determined by its preparation—specifically, whether or not a high-carb breading or sugary sauce is used. By choosing unbreaded options and being mindful of your sauce choices, you can enjoy this classic dish guilt-free on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Whether you prefer them deep-fried, air-fried, or baked, the key to keeping them low in carbs is to let the natural flavor of the chicken and spices shine through.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of various foods, consider visiting Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unbreaded fried chicken wings are perfectly acceptable on a ketogenic diet because they contain almost no carbohydrates. The high protein and fat content of the wings fit well with keto macros.

To achieve crispy skin without flour, you can air-fry the wings, bake them at a high temperature on a wire rack, or use a low-carb breading alternative like crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

For low-carb wings, stick to sauces that are sugar-free. Classic buffalo sauce made with butter and hot sauce is a great option, as are dry seasoning rubs with various spices. Avoid sweet and sugary sauces like teriyaki or barbecue.

Plain unbreaded fried chicken wings contain no sugar. Any sugar content would come from an added glaze, sauce, or marinade that is applied after frying.

From a carbohydrate perspective, both air-frying and deep-frying unbreaded wings are fine. However, air-frying uses less oil, making it the lower-fat and lower-calorie option.

When ordering wings at a restaurant, always ask for them 'plain,' 'naked,' or 'unbreaded.' Confirm that no flour is used and ask for any sauces on the side to control what is added.

Yes, chicken wings are a great source of protein. A single unbreaded wing can provide a significant amount of protein, contributing to a balanced, high-protein diet.