Craving juicy, crispy chicken nuggets without the deep frying? I’ve got just the thing for you! These air fryer chicken nuggets are perfectly seasoned, coated with golden Panko breadcrumbs, and air-fried to crispy perfection. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of these in no time. Plus, they’re healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, making them a perfect snack or dinner option for both kids and adults alike. Let’s jump right into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this air fryer nugget recipe, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we start cooking:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – This will coat the chicken pieces and help the breadcrumbs stick while adding a nice richness to the nuggets.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs – The secret to that extra crispy crunch.
- 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan – Adds a bit of savory depth to the crispy coating.
- 1 tsp dried parsley – For a touch of herb flavor.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – For a hint of garlic in every bite.
- 1/4 tsp paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color.
- 1/4 tsp salt – To bring out all the flavors.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper – A pinch of pepper for a mild kick.
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast – The core of the nuggets, sliced into bite-size, juicy pieces.
That’s it – only a few simple ingredients, but they come together to create a crispy, flavorful outer coating, and a juicy, tender inside. Let’s get the chicken prepped and ready for the air fryer!
Step-by-Step Nugget Prep
1. Prepping the Air Fryer
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps create that irresistibly crispy texture on the nuggets.
2. Prepare the Seasoning and Breading
Now, let’s prepare the coatings:
- In one bowl : Combine the melted butter . This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken strips while keeping them moist.
- In another bowl : Mix the dry ingredients for the crisp coating:
- Panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
- Add the grated Parmesan for rich flavor.
- The mixture of dried parsley , garlic powder , paprika , salt , and black pepper adds that savory, warm depth to the chicken.
3. Prepping the Chicken
- Trim any excess fat or uneven edges off the chicken breast for a neat finish.
- Slice the chicken breast into 1/2-inch strips , then cut each strip into 2 to 3 bite-sized nuggets. You’re aiming for nice small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Coating and Air Frying the Chicken Nuggets
4. Season and Coat the Nuggets
Now that your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, it’s time to season and coat them:
- Season the chicken : Sprinkle the chicken nuggets with the seasoning mixture (dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper). Make sure all pieces are well-coated with the spices for an even and flavorful bite.
- Coat with breadcrumbs : Take each seasoned chicken piece and dip it into the butter first. Then, press the nugget into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture , turning it over to make sure it’s fully coated. Repeat this process until all nuggets are covered with the buttery, crispy breadcrumb coating.
5. Air Fry the Nuggets
- Place the nuggets into the air fryer basket : Make sure to lay the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap or touch. This allows for maximum airflow, ensuring an even crispy coating on all sides. If you’re making a bigger batch, work in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the nuggets : Air fry the nuggets for 6 minutes on one side. After that, flip them over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature at the center of each nugget should reach 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Serving and Storing the Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
6. Serve the Nuggets
Once your nuggets are golden-brown and crispy, use tongs to carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or serving platter. For best results, serve them right away while they’re still piping hot and crispy.
These nuggets are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. Some of my favorite options include:
- Classic ketchup or BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing or honey mustard
- Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
- Garlic aioli for a creamy touch
Feel free to serve them alongside your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, crispy fries, or even a side of steamed veggies if you’re going for a healthier option!
7. Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast!), here’s how you can store and reheat them:
- In the refrigerator : Store the nuggets in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Reheating : To regain their crispiness, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or bake them in the oven. This brings back the perfect crunch without making them soggy.
- In the freezer : You can freeze the nuggets for up to 3 months ! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer straight from frozen. Air fry until heated through and crispy.
Conclusion
There you have it — crispy air fryer chicken nuggets , ready to be enjoyed! Not only are they a healthier alternative to deep-fried nuggets, but they also pack a punch of flavor with that crispy Panko-Parmesan crust and juicy interior. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a protein-packed snack, or an easy family dinner, these nuggets are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
The best part? You can completely customize the seasoning or even try different breadcrumb combinations. Make them your own, serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and let the air fryer take care of delivering that golden-brown perfection.
Enjoy your healthier, homemade air fryer chicken nuggets !