Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a healthy low-fat alternative to frying at just 237 calories per serving! With just 5 simple ingredients, plus seasonings, these can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside! Air frying is my favorite method for cooking chicken nuggets and chicken tenders. After one bite, we were pleasantly surprised at how wonderful these turned out! Using the air fryer along with a simple blend of seasonings, panko and regular breadcrumbs achieves the most perfect texture and incredible flavor. In addition, there’s no need to mess with oil and the hassle of frying.
They’re really versatile too! We love them plain with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce , spicy mayo, yum yum sauce. You can also add them to a salad, wrap them in a tortilla or pair them with some sides like potato wedges and roasted veggies. You and your kids will absolutely go crazy for these easy air fryer chicken nuggets!
Ingredients needed
This air fryer chicken nuggets recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:
- Chicken breast: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Boneless skinless chicken thighs would work too.
- Egg: One large egg coats the chicken to help the bread crumbs and seasonings adhere to it.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley adds wonderful flavor to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: This recipe uses a mix of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs for major crispiness!
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances the crispy texture and tastes wonderful.
How to make this recipe
Fast, easy, and so delicious! You’re going to love this air fryer chicken! No oil, flour or milk required! Here’s the simple process:
- Coat chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, egg, and spices.
- Make breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.
- Dredge chicken: Working with one chicken piece at a time, dredge into the panko mixture, making sure to coat evenly by pressing on all sides of the chicken.
- Add to air fryer: Transfer chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to do this in multiple batches) and generously spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry: Cook on 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer chicken nuggets and repeat the process with the remaining batch.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Expert tips
- Chicken pieces: Cut the chicken breast in chunks that are all about the same size, so they cook at the same rate.
- Preheating: For quicker cooking, preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F. for at least 5 minutes before putting any food in it.
- Single layer: When placing the chicken in the basket of the air fryer, be sure that it is in a single layer and doesn’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. If the food is overlapping, it could become soggy and mushy.
- Be sure to flip: It’s important to flip the nuggets halfway through cooking. This will ensure they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
Frequently asked questions
How do you air fry frozen nuggets?
There’s no need to thaw frozen nuggets before air frying! Simply, add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400ºF for 10-12 minutes.
Are Air fried chicken nuggets healthy?
Air frying chicken nuggets is healthier than frying them in loads of oil. It’s equivalent to baking, but they crisp up much better than baking them in the oven due to the way the hot air circulates like a convection oven.
Can I bake these instead of air-frying?
Yes, follow the recipe, place nuggets on a baking pan, and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
Air Fryer
My go-to air fryer! 4-IN-1: Air fry, broil, roast and reheat.
Serving suggestions
Chicken nuggets are delicious served alongside a variety of dishes. Here are some of our go-to sides:
- French fries, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, or Zucchini Crisps
- Mac and Cheese
- Fresh fruit or Fruit Salad
- Vegetables, like Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
- Potatoes, like Garlic Mashed Potatoes or for low carb Mashed Cauliflower
Storage recommendations
- Storing leftovers: Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the nuggets cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat from frozen in a preheated air fryer. Then, cook them for 10-12 minutes at 400ºF, flipping halfway through.
More air fryer chicken recipes
Cooking in the air fryer is great for anything from dessert recipes to sides and mains! We have many more air fryer recipes. Here are some favs:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, egg, and spices.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.
- Working with one chicken piece at a time, dredge into the panko mixture, making sure to coat evenly by pressing on all sides of the chicken.
- Transfer chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to do this in multiple batches) and generously spray with cooking spray.
- Cook on 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer chicken nuggets and repeat the process with the remaining batch.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, spicy mayo or yum yum sauce.
Equipment
Notes
- Storing leftovers: Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the nuggets cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat from frozen in a preheated air fryer. Cook them for 10-12 minutes at 400ºF, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
