Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These quick and easy air fryer chicken nuggets are perfectly golden brown, crispy, and moist. The secret here is drizzling the breading with melted butter to create the perfect texture. These chicken nuggets are freezer-friendly too!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 411kcal
Equipment
- Large air fryer I use a 5.5 quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cut chicken into nugget-size pieces. Try not to slice it too thick, about ⅓ inch thick should be good. Set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray. This will prevent the bottom breading from sticking. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs.
- Breading mixture: In another large bowl, combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, drizzle in the melted butter and combine until the breading mixture is evenly moistened. Set aside.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken nugget into the egg mixture, and then immediately in the breading mixture. Arrange the breaded chicken on the air fryer basket, in one single layer. Spray the tops lightly with cooking oil. Tip: If your air fryer is not large enough, cook the chicken nuggets in multiple batches - don’t overcrowd the basket, as this could cause it to not get crispy.
- Air fry at 390 degrees F for about 8 to 10 minutes (depending on how thick they are), flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- The secret: Use melted butter in the breading mixture to moisten it. This will create a moist golden brown and crispy exterior, while keeping the interior juicy, not the mention the amazing buttery flavor!
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent the breading from sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer. To get perfectly crispy chicken nuggets, cook in one single layer in multiple batches as needed.
- Don't overcook: For ⅓ inch pieces, about 8 minutes will suffice. Air frying for too long can turn the chicken dry.
- Freezing: Air fry as directed and let them cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-friendly bag in one layer and freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating frozen chicken nuggets (fully cooked): No need to thaw. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange them (frozen) in one single layer. Spray the tops with some more oil spray. Air fry at 390 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and fully reheated in the center.
- Chicken breast: chicken thighs.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs plus Italian seasoning.
- Add-ons: Add grated parmesan cheese to the breading mixture. If desired, add extra seasoning of your choice, such as Italian seasoning.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values (per serving) are approximates only.
Nutrition
Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 966mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 656IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 3mg