Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Instead of deep-frying, the nuggets are cooked in the air fryer with a light coating of cooking spray for a delicious golden crust.
They are perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, lunch boxes, or an easy snack. Serve them with ketchup, ranch, barbecue sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for a meal everyone can enjoy.
The best part is that you can prepare these homemade chicken nuggets in just a few simple steps. The air fryer helps create a crispy coating while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they are lean and easy to cut into nugget-sized pieces. Cut the chicken into pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer darker meat.
Breadcrumbs or panko: Regular breadcrumbs give the nuggets a fine, even coating, while panko creates a lighter and crunchier crust. For especially crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, panko is a great option.
Flour: Flour helps the egg adhere to the chicken and gives the breadcrumb coating a better surface to stick to.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the middle layer between the flour and breadcrumbs, helping create a complete coating around each piece of chicken.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add savory flavor without making the coating too strong.
Paprika: Paprika adds mild flavor and gives the coating a warm golden color. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
Cooking spray: A light coating of cooking spray helps the breading brown and become crispy in the air fryer. Avoid soaking the nuggets with oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces that are similar in size.
Keeping the pieces relatively uniform helps them cook at the same rate and prevents smaller pieces from becoming dry before larger pieces are done.
Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls.
Place the flour in the first bowl. Add the beaten eggs to the second bowl. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Arrange the bowls in order so you can coat the chicken efficiently.
Coat the Chicken
Take one piece of chicken and coat it lightly in flour. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it is coated on all sides. Let any excess egg drip back into the bowl.
Finally, place the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs gently onto the chicken so the coating sticks well.
Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3–5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
A hot air fryer helps the breading begin crisping as soon as the nuggets go into the basket.
Air Fry Until Crispy
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray.
Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping the nuggets carefully halfway through cooking. If needed, lightly spray the second side after flipping.
The nuggets are ready when the coating is golden and crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest piece.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the nuggets and your specific air fryer.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two.
Serve them hot with ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or another favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Description
Crispy homemade chicken nuggets made with tender chicken breast, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a simple three-step coating, then cooked in the air fryer until golden and fully cooked.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3–5 minutes if required by your model.
- Prepare the breading station. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Coat the chicken. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the nuggets. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Add cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops of the breaded nuggets to help the coating become golden and crispy.
- Air fry. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking.
- Check for doneness. The breading should be golden and crisp, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve. Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Panko breadcrumbs will give you a crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
Cut the chicken pieces into similar sizes for even cooking.
Do not stack or overcrowd the nuggets in the basket.
Cook in batches if necessary.
A light coating of cooking spray helps the breading brown more evenly.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer model.
Always check chicken with a food thermometer and make sure it reaches 165°F internally.