Skip the fast food and make your own crispy chicken nuggets right at home with this air fryer recipe! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, these nuggets are a healthier alternative to deep-frying without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Great for kids and adults alike, they’re perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional, for prepping)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Set up a breading station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess.
- Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Air fry the nuggets:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Batch cooking: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Make-ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
These air fryer chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy guilt-free indulgence!
Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy, golden chicken nuggets made in the air fryer! These homemade nuggets are easy to make, healthier than deep-fried, and a family favorite.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional, for prepping)
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Set up a breading station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess.
- Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Air fry the nuggets:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
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