air fryer nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, Homemade, and Delightful

Enjoy the goodness of homemade chicken nuggets with a crispy golden exterior and tender, juicy inside, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, you’ll need:

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

For Dipping Sauces (optional):

• Ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces or strips.
2. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.

2. Dredge the Chicken

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
2. Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the flour, coating it evenly.
3. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs.
4. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

4. Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets

1. Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches if necessary.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with cooking spray. This will help them become golden brown and crispy.
4. Air fry the nuggets at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the chicken nuggets are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two.
2. Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

• Customize the seasoning and flavor by adding herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• For an extra crispy coating, you can spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray again halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve your chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces to please everyone’s taste buds.

These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with less oil and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, snack time, or a game day treat, these nuggets are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite!