Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets offer the perfect combination of crispy crunch and juicy tenderness without the need for excessive oil. The air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare, while still delivering that irresistible crispy texture you crave from traditional fried nuggets. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a healthier version of a fast food favorite, and they are customizable to your taste with various seasonings or dipping sauces. Plus, the air fryer does most of the work, leaving you with a hassle-free cooking experience!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Spray the chicken nuggets with a light coat of olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry the chicken nuggets for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Chicken Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Parmesan-Crusted Nuggets: Use more Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture for a richer, cheese-heavy crust.
Chicken Tenders: Instead of cutting the chicken into nugget-sized pieces, cut it into strips to make chicken tenders.
Crispy Panko Nuggets: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Dipping Sauces: Try serving with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, though the microwave may not maintain their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They will be slightly juicier but still turn out crispy when cooked in the air fryer.

2. Can I make these chicken nuggets gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

3. Do I need to use eggs to coat the chicken?

The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, but if you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with a non-dairy milk or a mixture of flaxseed meal and water.

4. Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked chicken nuggets. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

5. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil, in place of olive oil.

6. How do I make the chicken nuggets extra crispy?

Make sure to coat the nuggets thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture and spray them with a light coat of oil before air frying to ensure maximum crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets offer a healthier, faster, and equally delicious alternative to traditional fried nuggets. With their crispy texture and juicy interior, they’re perfect for anyone craving a quick, homemade snack or meal. With minimal oil and customizable flavors, these nuggets are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Try them out today and discover a new way to enjoy this classic favorite!

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets