Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer chicken nuggets with this easy baking recipe. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these healthier nuggets use a simple breadcrumb coating and quick air frying technique for perfect results every time. No deep frying needed!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120g panko breadcrumbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried oregano</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">3 shallow bowls for breading station</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen tongs</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cutting board</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then cut into even 3cm chunks. Uniform sizing ensures all nuggets cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly cooked pieces throughout. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and remaining salt and pepper. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Working with a few pieces at a time, coat the chicken chunks in flour, shaking off excess (this initial dry coating helps the egg adhere better). Dip in beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving that initial "sear" that helps create a crispy exterior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Lightly brush or spray the breaded nuggets with olive oil – this helps achieve that golden-brown color and enhances crispiness by promoting better heat conduction throughout the breadcrumb coating. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Arrange nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. You'll likely need to cook in batches; overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in less crispy nuggets. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Cook at 200°C for 5 minutes, then flip each nugget and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 74°C for food safety. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into one nugget to ensure the meat is white throughout with no pink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack rather than a plate to maintain crispiness while you finish the remaining batches. The air circulation beneath prevents condensation that can make the bottom soggy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces. These nuggets are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they're at their crispiest! </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

The main ingredients are boneless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, olive oil, and seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. These combine to create crispy, flavourful nuggets.

How to cook Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets by cutting chicken into even chunks, coating them in seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs, then air frying at 200°C for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. The key is to preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket to achieve perfectly crispy nuggets with juicy centres.

Why are my chicken nuggets not getting crispy in the air fryer?

Nuggets may not crisp properly if you've overcrowded the basket (limiting air circulation), skipped preheating, or forgotten to spray with oil. Also check your temperature setting - 200°C is ideal for crispy results. Cook in batches for best crispiness.

Can I freeze homemade air fryer chicken nuggets?

Yes! Freeze them after breading but before cooking, placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to eat, air fry directly from frozen at 200°C for 12-14 minutes. They'll keep well for up to 3 months.

How can I make chicken nuggets healthier without sacrificing flavour?

Use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of panko, skip the flour for a lighter coating, add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavour without cheese, and experiment with herbs like basil and thyme. The air fryer already reduces fat by 80% compared to deep frying.

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