These homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re super easy to make and perfect for a quick meal or snack!
I love how they cook up so fast! Just toss the pieces in your favorite seasoning and let the air fryer do its magic. You’ll be saying goodbye to store-bought nuggets! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for nuggets. If you want a healthier option, consider using turkey breast. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier nugget, though they may have a slightly different texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work too. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush some cornflakes for a crispy coating!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add great flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative! You could use cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Cooking Spray: Using cooking spray helps to achieve a crispy finish without using too much oil. If you’re out, a light drizzle of olive oil works well too.
Why is Proper Breading Important?
Breading your chicken nuggets correctly is key to having a tasty and crispy result. Here’s how to make sure your nuggets turn out fantastic.
- First, coat the chicken well in the flour mixture. This helps the egg stick and adds extra flavor.
- Next, dip in the beaten eggs. Make sure every inch of chicken is covered so that the breadcrumbs stick.
- Finally, press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This ensures they adhere well, giving you that lovely crunch when cooked.
Don’t rush this process; it makes a big difference! Properly breaded nuggets will have a delightful crunch and flavor that are hard to resist. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook. Including preheating the air fryer, expect to spend a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken nuggets cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating Stations:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your seasoned flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk the beaten eggs. Finally, place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. You’re all set up for the breading process!
3. Bread the Chicken Pieces:
Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. Repeat this for all chicken pieces.
4. Air Fry the Nuggets:
Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them; this helps them cook evenly. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray. This will help them get that deliciously crispy texture!
5. Cooking Time:
Cook the nuggets in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you need to cook in batches, repeat as needed!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are cooked, remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer. If you’d like, you can garnish them with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just ensure the pieces are similar in size to allow for even cooking. You can also use pre-cooked chicken; just skip the egg and breadcrumb steps and heat the chicken nuggets in the air fryer for about 5 minutes to crisp them up.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs can be used in place of panko. However, if you want a bit more crunch, consider crushing some cornflakes or using crushed crackers as a substitute. They can give a nice texture to your nuggets!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Nuggets?
Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-6 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Chicken Nuggets Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free chicken nuggets, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure to check all your labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free!
