In this study, ferronickel slag artificial sand (ferronickel slag sand) was used to produce foamed concrete. Effect of ferronickel slag sand on the compressive strength, deformation and shrinkage cracking of foamed concrete was investigated. Meanwhile, SEM and X-CT were used to investigate the microstructure. Experimental results reveal that the foamed concrete with 5% (mass fraction, the same below) ferronickel slag sand possesses the highest compressive strength. However, too many interfacial defects can be introduced with the addition of ferronickel slag sand above 10%, thus decreasing the compressive strength of the foamed concrete. The ferronickel slag sand can restrict the deformation of the matrix, decrease the usage of cement, mitigate the drying shrinkage of the foamed concrete, and enhance its crack resistance. When the content of ferronickel slag sand increased from 0% to 20%, the crack resistance grade of the foam concrete increases from V to II. Overall, ferronickel slag sand has potential to be used as a raw material in producing foamed concrete.