Learn how to make air fryer chicken nuggets for dinner or lunch tonight.
A crispy outside with a tender chicken center.
A kid-friendly and healthier version of deep frying your nuggets.
You only need a few ingredients, an air fryer, and some time.
This homemade chicken nugget recipe will hit the spot.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryers are all the rage right now.
Have you ever lived through a pandemic without purchasing an air fryer, an instant pot, or a puppy? LOL
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are tender and juicy with a lightly seasoned coating that will pair well with your favorite dipping sauces!
They are easy to make and healthier than any frozen or fast food variety.
They are made with seven simple ingredients, including spices, and cook in just 8 minutes!
Ingredients For Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Chicken. Take a boneless chicken breast and cut them up into sizes of nuggets. You could also use boneless thighs as well. Just make sure that you trim away any fat.
Seasoning. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are what I used. Simple, but the trio of these spices helps to add a nice flavor to your chicken.
Breadcrumbs. Now, you can use classic plain breadcrumbs or reach for panko. Either will work for this nugget recipe.
Butter. I do recommend using butter, not margarine. Margarine will become oily, and it will affect the texture.
Oil. The oil is needed to help get the breading of your nuggets crispy. Even though they are air-fried, you will want to get that rich golden brown color, and the only way to achieve it is with oil.
How to make Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
Serving/Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes Serving Size: 2-4 (20 nuggets)
Equipment: You can use a Cosori Air fryer or a Power XL Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in chunks and lightly seasoned with salt and black pepper)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3⁄4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- parsley for garnish and ketchup for serving
Directions:
- On a cutting board, cut each chicken breast into about ten pieces.
- Add the chicken chunks to a medium-deep bowl and lightly season with some salt and pepper. Next, toss the chicken, melted butter, and olive oil using tongs until evenly coated.
- In another medium bowl or rimmed plate, whisk together the bread crumbs, salt,
black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees.
- Working with a few chicken pieces at a time, coat the nuggets in the breadcrumb mixture until coated on all sides. Transfer to a plate until the air fryer is heated.
- When the Air Fryer is hot, add the chicken nuggets in a single layer to the tray. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees for 8 minutes, and flip the nuggets after 4 minutes.
- Serve immediately and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with ketchup or your favorite condiment for dipping.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken Nuggets In The Air Fryer?
The one thing I have learned is all air fryers heat a bit differently.
But overall, you will cook for around 8-10 minutes.
The goal is to check the internal temperature and ensure it reads 165 degrees.
How to Make Extra Crispy Chicken Nuggets?
Want to have a crispier coating? Go right ahead and swap the breadcrumbs with panko.
This will help you achieve that ultra-crunchy texture.
What To Dip Chicken Nuggets In?
The sky is the limit regarding what you might dunk your nuggets in. Here are a few ideas to consider for your nuggies!
- Ketchup
- BBQ Sauce
- Sweet and Sour
- Mayonnaise + BBQ sauce
- Splash of hot sauce
- Etc.
Can You Bake These Nuggets Instead of Air Fry?
If you don’t want to air fry your nuggets, you can bake them in the oven.
Prep the nuggets and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake at 425 degrees for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 8 minutes.
Check the internal temperature and cook for additional time if needed.
Freezing Nuggets For Meal Prepping
If you want to make up some nuggets and freeze before you air fry, you sure can.
Prepare the nuggets and place them on a prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.
Flash freeze the breaded nuggets.
Place in the freezer for an hour to get them nice and hard. Place in a proper freezer-approved container.
Then freeze for 2-3 months.
Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Tips:
Place in the air fryer from frozen.
Add a few extra minutes, as it will take longer to cook the nuggets thoroughly.
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover homemade nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
You can reheat it in the microwave or back in the air fryer.
You can also freeze the cooked nuggets for 2-3 months.
Find more Air Fryer recipes below:
Fish Sticks made in the Air Fryer
Monster Cookies made in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in chunks and lightly seasoned with salt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- parsley for garnish and ketchup for serving
Instructions
- On a cutting board, cut each chicken breast into about ten pieces.
- Add the chicken chunks to a medium-deep bowl and lightly season with some salt and pepper. Next, toss the chicken, melted butter, and olive oil using tongs until evenly coated.
- In another medium bowl or rimmed plate, whisk together the bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees.
- Working with a few chicken pieces at a time, coat the nuggets in the breadcrumb mixture until coated on all sides. Transfer to a plate until the air fryer is heated.
- When the Air Fryer is hot, add the chicken nuggets in a single layer to the tray. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees for 8 minutes, and flip the nuggets after 4 minutes.
- Serve immediately and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with ketchup or your favorite condiment for dipping.
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