Craving crispy, golden chicken nuggets without the guilt of deep frying? This air fryer chicken nuggets recipe is your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes, these nuggets are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, prepping a game-day snack, or just looking for a fun weeknight dinner idea, this recipe delivers satisfying results every time.

Using an air fryer not only reduces the oil and calories but also makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, these nuggets can be customized with your favorite seasonings and sauces, making them perfect for any palate.

Say goodbye to store-bought frozen nuggets and hello to homemade goodness with this easy and kid-friendly air fryer chicken nugget recipe. Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you!

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked chicken nugget – that golden crispy exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken inside. But traditional deep-fried nuggets can leave you feeling guilty and your kitchen smelling like a fast-food restaurant.

Enter air fryer chicken nuggets: the healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. By using hot circulating air instead of oil, your air fryer creates that irresistible crunch without the added fat. Plus, these homemade nuggets let you control exactly what goes into your food – no mystery ingredients here!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Cutting board and Sharp knife
• 3 shallow dishes for breading station
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or nugget-sized pieces. Try to keep them similar in size for even cooking.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings and breading stick better.
3. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the breading station.

Setting Up the Breading Station

1. In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
2. In another shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if using), dried Italian herbs, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
3. Arrange your breading station in order: seasoned chicken, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture.

Breading the Chicken Nuggets

1. Working with a few pieces at a time, dip the seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
2. Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto all sides of the chicken pieces to help them adhere.
3. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate while you finish coating the remaining chicken.

Air Frying the Chicken Nuggets

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching or overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
4. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray – this helps achieve that golden-brown color.
5. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the nuggets and spray again with cooking spray if desired.
6. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in an oven set to 200°F (95°C) while you cook the remaining nuggets.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer chicken nuggets are versatile and pair well with countless sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic: Serve with ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping
• Meal prep: Pack in lunchboxes with fresh fruit and vegetables
• Family dinner: Pair with sweet potato fries and a side salad
• Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with various dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing starter

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: These nuggets freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat in the oven, but avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

• Don’t skip patting the chicken dry – excess moisture prevents proper browning.
• Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for the crispiest results.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket – air needs to circulate around each nugget.
• The cooking spray is important for achieving that golden-brown exterior.
• Let the nuggets rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• For extra flavor, try mixing different spices into your breadcrumb mixture like cayenne pepper, ranch seasoning, or taco seasoning.

Customizing Your Nuggets

One of the best things about making chicken nuggets at home is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture
• Italian: Increase the Italian herbs to 1 tablespoon and add extra parmesan
• Ranch: Mix 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning into the breadcrumbs
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular and panko
• Extra crunchy: Use crushed cornflakes or potato chips in place of some breadcrumbs

Why Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Are Better Than Store-Bought

Homemade air fryer chicken nuggets outshine their frozen counterparts in nearly every way:

1. Quality ingredients: You know exactly what’s in them – real chicken breast with no fillers.
2. Better nutrition: Significantly less oil than deep-fried versions and no preservatives.
3. Superior taste: The flavor of fresh chicken and seasonings can’t be matched by processed nuggets.
4. Crispy texture: The air fryer creates an amazing crunch without excess oil.
5. Customization: Adjust the seasonings, size, and shape to your preferences.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier nuggets. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces.

Do I need to spray the nuggets with oil?
While not absolutely necessary, a light spray helps achieve that golden-brown color and enhances crispiness.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken up to 30 minutes before cooking and keep it refrigerated. For longer prep, it’s best to cook the nuggets fully and then reheat.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy. You can also crush cornflakes, crackers, or even pork rinds as alternatives.

How do I know when the nuggets are done?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 165°F (74°C) internally. They should also be golden brown and firm to the touch.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (approximately 6-7 nuggets)

These homemade air fryer chicken nuggets prove that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious.

By skipping the deep fryer and using your air fryer instead, you get all the satisfaction with none of the guilt. Whether you’re feeding picky children or satisfying your own craving for crispy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

So the next time you’re tempted to reach for that bag of frozen nuggets, remember how quick and easy it is to make your own healthier version. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!