Nketiah was making his first Premier League appearance of the season for the club and showed just what they had been missing by putting Palace ahead in the 20th minute at Craven Cottage.
Marc Guehi added a second late on to secure a 2-0 win for the visitors.
The victory elevated the Eagles to fourth in the Premier League standings and sets them up nicely for a strong second half of the campaign.
Despite being the star of the show early on in the match, the always magnanimous Nketiah was quick to praise Adam Wharton, who provided the assist for his goal.
"He [Wharton] has that quality," Nketiah told BBC Match of the Day. "It was a good touch and I knew I could finish. I am getting back into a rhythm after a few recent niggles.
"I always back myself in the box. As long as I'm on the pitch, I can understand and produce even better performances.
"It was a really tough game, Fulham are a really good side.
"So it's nice to get the win and the goal."
Palace's next outing in the Premier League is a tough match against Manchester City at home but they will also face Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League in midweek beforehand.
"Everyone is working hard. We need to keep going like that," he added.
"The togetherness of this team and when you have that extra bit of motivation [by climbing the table], it helps and I think today we deserved the three points."
Jurrien Timber and Arsenal have vowed to turn their last-gasp defeat against Aston Villa into fuel for their Premier League title push, with the Dutch defender insisting the setback must become "motivation and strength" for the squad.
Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze has expressed his excitement at rediscovering top form at Fulham, crediting manager Marco Silva for playing a crucial role in his resurgence.
Leeds completed a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to snatch a 3-3 draw against a reeling Liverpool and pile fresh misery on Arne Slot.
Manchester City secured a second successive Premier League victory at home against Sunderland, Chelsea were held scoreless away to Bournemouth while Tottenham managed to beat Brentford.
