This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe is the healthier and tastier alternative to the same old greasy deep-fried chicken nuggets. Made with real chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, and coated with Panko breadcrumbs, I love how they turn out truly crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
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Whenever I consider hosting a game day party or inviting friends over for dinner, one of my go-to dishes is chicken nuggets. These crispy, flavorful bites are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for satisfying the appetites of both kids and adults. I love how air-fried chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets, as they require far less oil to cook. Plus I have control over the ingredients used and can avoid any artificial additives or preservatives.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
Here I highlight my ingredient choices for my air-fried chicken nuggets recipe, alternatives, and tips and tricks. For exact quantities and nutritional data, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.
Select high-quality chicken breast. Opt for organic or free-range chicken if possible, as this can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial because unevenly sized pieces can result in some nuggets being overcooked while others remain underdone. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast, or make nuggets with canned chicken.
Marinating your chicken before cooking can elevate its flavor profile. A simple marinade of buttermilk or a mixture of yogurt and spices can do wonders. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicier nuggets.
The breading is what gives chicken nuggets their signature crunch. Use a mix of breadcrumbs and panko for the outer coating. Season the breading with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for an extra kick. For a gluten-free option, substitute with almond flour or crushed cornflakes (Cornflake Chicken Recipe here). Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the breading mix, ensuring an even coat.
One thing you won’t find in my recipe is flour. Instead, I dip (or marinate) the chicken in a delicious eggy buttermilk mixture and coat it in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Not only does this create a superior texture, but it also allows more of the chicken’s natural flavor to shine through.
Preheat your air fryer. Most models require about 3-5 minutes to reach the optimal temperature, around 400°F. Preheating ensures that your nuggets start cooking immediately upon placement, which helps achieve that golden crispy exterior.
Air fry your nuggets. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Cook the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Dipping sauce. No chicken nugget experience is complete without delicious dipping sauces. You can use the classics like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard. For a gourmet twist, May I recommend making your own spicy Chipotle mayo, or a tangy Chick-Fil-a dip? Feel free to match and mix different sauces to elevate your nugget experience.
Serving suggestions
Pair chicken nuggets with a Creamy Fresh Salad, Sweet Potato Wedges, or Roasted Vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more indulgent option, Loaded Potato Skins make an excellent accompaniment.
How to store and reheat
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the nuggets back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F. This will help retain their crispy texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
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10-Minutes Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil Or Avocado oil
- 1 Egg beaten
- ⅓ cup Buttermilk (or cream, half and half, milk)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Can use regular breadcrumbs or gluten free
- 1/2 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F/200C
- Set up a breading station with two separate bowls: one with buttermilk and beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Slice up the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Approximately 1 to 2 inches. Aim for 1/2 inch in thickness.
- Season your chicken pieces with oil, salt and pepper to taste, and garlic powder.
- One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg wash mixed with buttermilk (or cream), then into the breadcrumbs. (Remember to use one hand for the “wet” and one hand for the “dry” to avoid a big mess!)
- Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in air fryer basket. Space them out for even cooking.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, or cook until the chicken internal temperature is 165F and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
- Serve with your side of choice and favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in some garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices into the flour or breadcrumbs.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken nuggets in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Marinating your chicken before cooking can elevate its flavor profile. A simple marinade of buttermilk can do wonders. Allow the chicken to marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicier nuggets.
Hello – this looks so good I am planning to make this for our next get-together. One of the ingredients you have us get is “2 tbsp of buttermilk or cream”. I don’t know what to do with this. The 2 tbsp of buttermilk or cream is not included in your instructions. Are we supposed to put the cut up chicken in with the buttermilk to tenderize them? Please help me on this one.
Thank you for all your other great air fryer recipes.
I apologize. I have updated the recipe card. The buttermilk is mixed with an egg to create the egg wash. Buttermilk or cream makes the egg wash thicker, which helps to keep the breadcrumbs stuck on better.
These all sound delicious, but I can’t chew many kinds of meat. Do you have ground turkey or tilapia recipes?
HI Patricia. How about Air fryer Salmon or Chicken fritters, so soft and amazingly delicious
Hi. Can you tell me how many carbs in chicken nuggets.
Husband on very low carb diet? Thank you
Hi Barbara. Considering that they are rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, it has at least 3g carbs per nugget. I’m going to update the post with more accurate calculations. You can also use almond flour or pork panko for lower carb version.
Thank you. That’s very helpful
I made these and delicious and so easy. I’m a lazy cook so keep a small salt shaker filled with the salt/pepper/garlic powder mixture and makes seasoning a breeze and I don’t accidentally over season the chicken. Made some exactly as recipe called for rest using Crushed Ranch Seasoned Pork Rinds and they were just as good. Extras in the freezer for a snack attack. Also, I marinated in buttermilk(the kind you add vinegar to milk) and then used some of it for the egg wash. Nothing wasted and didn’t have to buy a bottle of buttermilk that would get wasted. Thanks so much for this easy way to the best nuggets ever.
Hi Jeannine. I’m so glad you loved the recipe. Great idea with DIY’ing the buttermilk with no waste. Thank you for sharing your experience ❤️