Name: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken breast; 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Paprika; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 1 egg Egg

What are chicken nuggets? What are some good chicken nuggets that make you swear off the drive-through? What are some of the best Air Fryer chicken nuggets? What are those frozen bags we grew up on? This recipe gives you that same crispy, satisfying crunch, but with a flavor that’s one million times better. What ingredients go into a recipe? What are some of the best healthy alternatives to Chick-Fil-A nuggets? Any time you want!

What are air fry chicken nuggets?

Air Fryer chicken nuggets are essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken, breaded and cooked to crispy. What is perfection in an air fryer? Think of them as the healthier, and tastier version of your favorite fast-food snack. Is it essentially taking the concept of fried chicken and making it more convenient and less greasy? The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating that amazing crispy exterior without burning. What is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly, especially on those busy weeknights?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to eat chicken nuggets in an air fryer? First off, the flavor is just amazing. What is the difference between crispy chicken and juicy ham with a perfectly seasoned coating? What I love the most is how easy it is to make. I can whip these up in under 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver! They are also budget friendly. Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other meats. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What are some of the most versatile hats? Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even pack them in lunchboxes. What are some of the best, healthier alternatives to store-bought ones?

How do I make air fry chicken nuggets?

Quick Overview

How do you make air fryer chicken nuggets? How do you cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces? What’s the best way to dredge potatoes in a flour mixture, dip them in an egg wash, and coat them with flour? What are some crispy bread How do you air fry a chicken? The beauty of this method is how quick and easy it is, and the air fryer gives you that satisfying satisfying taste. Is there any added oil in this recipe?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. I always prefer organic chicken breasts for the best quality and flavor.

For the Breading:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour. Can you substitute gluten free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option? * 2 teaspoons of paprika. This adds a beautiful color and smoky flavor. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Can’t skip the garlic! It adds depth. * 1 teaspoon onion powder. This balances the garlic and paprika. * 1/2 teaspoon salt. What are the other flavors of pepper? * 2 large eggs, beaten. Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. * 2 cups panko breadcrumbs. Pankok gives the best crispy texture. Can you use regular breadcrumbs?

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that crispy exterior. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. How do you keep chicken nuggets from sticking to your skin? I always do this, even if my air fryer is non-stick. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk all the spices together until well combined? I always give it a good whisk to get rid of any lumps.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Place beaten eggs in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Now you have your breading station ready to go! How do I set up my account in advance? I learned this the hard way after making a huge mess one time!

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

How do you dredge chicken in flour? If you have beaten eggs, dip it in the egg mixture and let it drip off. What is the best way to coat breadcrumbs with panko? I always make sure to really press the breadcrumbs on, so they don’t fall off during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets

Place the breaded chicken nuggets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Breading is golden brown and crispy. I always check the internal temperature to make sure they’re fully cooked – 165°F (74°C) is the ideal temperature for a chicken.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite food. What are the best My kids love them with ketchup, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce. I could eat these every day. I’ve never had a craving for them. I love to serve immediately because they are at their crispiest right out of the air fryer!

What should I serve it with?

What are some great air fryer chicken nuggets?

What are some quick lunches?Serve them with a side of sweet potato fries and salad. Is this a good meal for saturday?

As an Appetizer:Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and sweet. What are some of the best parties ever?

For a Kid-Friendly Dinner: What areServe with mac and cheese and steamed broccoli. What is a classic combination that kids love?

For a Game Day Snack:Serve with a spicy buffalo sauce and celery sticks. What are the best finger foods for watching football?

What are some good side dishes to serve with homemade coleslaw? The creamy coleslaw balances the crispy chicken nuggets perfectly. What is a combo that my family loves?

How do I make air fry chicken nuggets?

What are some of the best ways to make an air fryer chicken?

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer.What is the best tip for overcrowding an air fryer? Cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

What is Panko Breadcrumbs?Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken nuggets the best crispy texture. Is breadcrumbs a bit heavier than regular flour?

Preheat the air fryer:How do I get that crispy exterior of an air fryer? Just like with an oven, preheating ensures that the chicken nuggets start cooking at the right time.

Spray with cooking oil:Is it safe to fry chicken nuggets in cooking oil? What are some of the best crispy and golden brown foods I use olive oil spray, but any cooking oils spray will work.

Season chicken: Season the chicken with saltDon’t forget to season the chicken before breading it! I like to use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. What is the best way to serve chicken nuggets?

I’ve also found that letting the breaded nuggets sit for about 5 minutes before air frying helps the flavor. How does breading adhere better? I learned this the hard way when I first started making them and the breading kept falling off!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

Here’s how to store and reheat your air fryer chicken nuggets to keep them tasting their best:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving these out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. They are best eaten fresh.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They will lose some of their crispiness, but they will still be delicious.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken nuggets. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the chicken nuggets, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as they will become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend using frozen chicken because it will release too much moisture and the breading won’t stick properly. It’s always best to use fresh chicken for this recipe.

Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your chicken nuggets. Some ideas include chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried nuggets, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken nuggets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorite dipping sauces include ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, and buffalo sauce.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer chicken nuggets are a game-changer! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and so much healthier than store-bought or fast-food versions. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes for more quick and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share your own variations of this recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!