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.
Keto In-N-Out Style Protein Burgers with Crispy Garlic Zucchini Fries
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
For the Burgers:
For the Special Sauce:
For the Zucchini Fries:
Instructions
Making the Burgers:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Making the Zucchini Fries:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F).
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Prep the Zucchini: Cut zucchini into fry-sized strips.
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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.
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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.
Nutrition Facts
Calories:530kcalTotal Fat:42gTotal Carbohydrate:6gDietary Fiber: 2gProtein:35g
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.
User Reviews
The keto burger was delicious
We thought so too!