Nutrition Facts
Calories:530kcalTotal Fat:42gTotal Carbohydrate:6gDietary Fiber: 2gProtein:35g
Keto In-N-Out Style Protein Burgers with Crispy Garlic Zucchini Fries
The Ultimate Low-Carb Indulgence
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger loaded with all the best toppings. For us, burgers have always been a comfort food—something we crave on Friday nights when the week winds down, or when we just want a meal that hits all the right notes.
But when we started our keto journey, we had to get a little creative. Enter: the protein-style burger. Inspired by our favorite fast-food chain, this version keeps all the flavor, the rich, creamy sauce, and the perfectly seared beef—but ditches the bun in favor of crisp, refreshing lettuce wraps. Paired with a side of garlicky zucchini fries, this meal is everything we love about a classic burger-and-fries combo, without the carb crash.
This recipe has quickly become a staple in our home, not just because it’s easy and packed with flavor, but because it reminds us that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods we love. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a backyard cookout, this meal delivers every time at home.
Description
Juicy, flavor-packed beef patties wrapped in crisp lettuce and topped with a creamy, tangy burger sauce—this keto-friendly protein-style burger is the perfect way to enjoy a fast-food favorite without the carbs. Served with crispy garlic zucchini fries for the ultimate low-carb comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest patties)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 4 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or iceberg work best)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices dill pickles
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp diced pickles (or pickle relish)
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-shaped strips
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Burgers:
For the Special Sauce:
For the Zucchini Fries:
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- Form the Patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side until nicely seared and cooked through. Add cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Assemble the Burgers: Layer a large lettuce leaf, a cooked patty, sauce, tomato slices, pickles, and any other toppings you love. Wrap with another lettuce leaf for extra stability.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F).
- Prep the Zucchini: Cut zucchini into fry-sized strips.
- Coat the Fries: In a bowl, mix Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, then coat with the dry mixture.
- Bake or Air Fry: Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes (or air fry for 10–12 minutes), flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Making the Burgers:
Making the Zucchini Fries:
Note
Substitutions & Variations
Dairy-Free? Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether. Use avocado instead for extra creaminess.
Spicy Kick? Add a little sriracha to the sauce or top the burger with jalapeños.
Want a Bigger Bite? Try using portobello mushrooms as “buns” for an extra hearty option.
Different Fries? Swap zucchini for turnip fries, avocado fries, or even crispy radish fries.