Air fryer chicken nuggets are a classic kid-friendly meal made a little bit healthier. Coming together quickly, with a minimum of ingredients, and cooked in the air fryer, this is one meal that is sure to make it onto your regular rotation. Pair with a salad or some roast vegetables for the perfect dinner, or make ahead of time and use for some scrumptious lunch wraps throughout the week.
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Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
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I don't know what it is about chicken nuggets, but it is one meal that pretty much every kid can get behind.
These have been a huge hit in our house for years, but up until I started using an air fryer for everything, they were always fried in some avocado oil.
Although that is still a great option, using the air fryer means no oil splatter to clean up after dinner, and less oil used althogether.
Winning.
What Ingredients Are Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets?
For meals like this, I like to keep the ingredients to a minimum.
You are going to need:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Egg
- Plain Flour
- Bread crumbs
- Freshly grated parmesan
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Avocado oil for cooking or oil of choice - coconut works well also
Putting your nuggets together is a breeze too.
Simply:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper. It is VERY IMPORTANT to cut your chicken into similar sized chunks so that they cook evenly. You do not want some cooked and some raw chicken.
- Add the flour to a shallow bowl.
- Lightly beat the egg in another shallow bowl.
- In another shallow bowl combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder and mix.
- With one hand toss some of the chicken chunks into the flour and then the egg mixture until they are coated on all sides, then drop them on top of the breadcrumb mixture.
- With the other hand sprinkle the bread crumbs onto the chicken piece making sure each one is well coated.
- Once breaded sit aside on a clean plate while you do the rest.
- Cook at 350F (180C) for about 7 minutes or until the nuggets are golden and crispy and have reached an internal temperature of 165F (75C)
- Serve warm.
I find it best to set up a little work station: so have your raw seasoned chicken on a plate, a bowl of seasoned flour beside, then a bowl of the egg mix, then a bowl of the breadcrumb mixture and then a clean plate for the coated nuggets.
Alternatively, to skip on dishes, you can just pop the coated chicken nuggets straight into the air fryer.
Need An Air Fryer?
If you don't have an air fryer yet, you should really consider getting one.
I was a bit dubious about 'one more gadget', but this is certainly one gadget I use every single day.
If you don't already have an air-fryer, choosing one can be a bit confusing as there are so many different types on the market.
My biggest tip would be to consider capacity.
How many people are you cooking for? I am cooking for a family of 5 and we regularly have people over, so I chose the biggest one I could find on the market with a good brand name and warranty behind it.
If you are only cooking for yourself, or yourself and a partner, you may benefit from having a smaller unit.
Also, consider bench space. The big ones can be pretty huge, so you want to make sure you have enough space before adding it to your family of kitchen appliances.
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Buy Now →Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook your chicken nuggets in batches.
How To Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets
We all know homemade chicken nuggets are best served with a dipping sauce, so choose your favorite dipping sauce and go to town.
I like to serve my air fryer chicken nuggets up with a salad, but you can also serve with some roasted or air fried vegetables, in a wrap or with some hot chips.
Do what works for you and your family.
Here are some sides that go well:
- Honey Lemon and Sea Salt Fryer Asparagus
- Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli
- Add it to this Avocado Chicken Salad with Passionfruit Vinaigrette for a nice bit of crunch
- Mashed potatoes, or if you like to keep it lower in carbs then this Creamy Whipped Feta and Cauliflower Mash
Of course, there are so many ways to serve up homemade chicken nuggets, so as always, do what works for you and your family.
Next time why not change things up and try out this Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich from Allways Delicious.
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (roughly ½ kilo)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Sprayable avocado, coconut or olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into even-sized chunks and season with the salt and pepper.
- Lightly beat the egg in a shallow bowl.
- In another shallow bowl add the flour and season with some salt and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder and mix.
- With one hand toss some of the chicken chunks into the flour mixture until they are covered on all sides, then into the egg mixture until they are coated on all sides, then drop them on top of the breadcrumb mixture.
- With the other hand sprinkle the bread crumbs onto the chicken piece making sure each one is well coated. Once breaded sit aside on a clean plate while you do the rest.
- Spray the nuggets with a bit of your cooking oil of choice. This is optional, but will give the breadcrumbs a more golden crunch than if you don't use it.
- Cook at 350 (180) for about 7 minutes or until the nuggets are golden and crispy and have reached an internal temperature of 165F (75C)
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve warm.
- See notes for what to do with leftovers.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Mackenzie Burgess says
I am loving air fryer recipes lately. Can't wait to try this one! Looks like the perfect savory bite!
Julianne says
This recipe looks delicious! I have been thinking of getting an air fryer. Thanks for the info about sizing. Is this an appliance that you could easily store away if you don’t have much counter space? Thanks!
Lyn says
I love you made these in the air fryer making them so much healthier! They certainly sounds amazing and great for kids.
Megan says
I bet my little toddler would love these, and they're so much healthier than regular chicken nuggets! You're totally inspiring me to get an air fryer now!
Donna says
Oh I am obsessed with my air fryer 🙂 It took me a long time to give in and buy yet another kitchen appliance, but this one is used every single day!
Chelsea says
Dang, these chicken nuggets look good, Donna! I have been neglecting my air fryer a bit lately but I think this recipe is going to change all of that.
Can't wait to try this recipe out!
Donna says
Thanks Chelsea 🙂 I am all about the air fryer these days!!
Ashley Schuering says
These were so yummy! And I love that they were made in the air fryer, so I don't have to feel guilty about eating more than a serving worth with allllll the barbecue sauce. Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
Donna says
Haha I am right there with you on alll the sauce 🙂