One of my favorite things to make for my family is chicken nuggets, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick but still homemade. I remember the days when I used to buy store-bought frozen nuggets, thinking they were a time-saver. But once I got an air fryer, I realized I could make them even faster—and with much better ingredients!
My kids love these air fryer chicken nuggets, and I feel good knowing exactly what’s going into their food. Plus, they’re so easy to customize. Sometimes I switch up the seasonings or the dipping sauces, but no matter what, they always turn out crispy and flavorful. My husband even sneaks a few before I can get them all on the plate!
The best part is how simple they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can whip up these golden, crunchy nuggets. They’re perfect for everything from family dinners to a quick snack. If you’re like me and love making meals that are not only easy but also delicious and wholesome, you’ll definitely want to try these air fryer chicken nuggets.
Preparing Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a separate bowl, combine the dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Trim the chicken breast, removing any excess fat. Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips, then cut each strip into nugget-sized pieces.
Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture, then dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. If necessary, cook in batches.
Cook the nuggets for 6 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F before removing them from the air fryer.
Let the chicken nuggets cool for a minute before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storing Suggestion
If you have any leftover chicken nuggets, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Cooking Tips
For an extra crispy texture, try spraying the nuggets with a little cooking spray before air frying. You can also substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These nuggets pair perfectly with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch. For a fun twist, try serving them with honey mustard or a homemade garlic aioli. A side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad would also complement the meal nicely.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a dairy-free option, replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, add a bit of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor. In the fall, try incorporating a dash of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to give your nuggets a seasonal twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the butter and Parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Be sure to check your breadcrumbs if you’re gluten-sensitive, or swap them out for gluten-free alternatives.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the air fryer may result in unevenly cooked nuggets.
How do I keep the nuggets crispy after cooking?
To keep the nuggets crispy, avoid stacking them after cooking. If you need to reheat them, using the air fryer will help restore their crunchiness, unlike the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I make these chicken nuggets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the nuggets ahead of time and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply place them in the preheated air fryer and follow the cooking instructions.
What other seasonings can I use?
You can easily customize the seasoning mixture based on your taste preferences. Try adding onion powder, cayenne pepper for heat, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken pieces to ensure they stick. You can also let the coated nuggets sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the breading adhere better.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free, like the seasonings and butter.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs, and parmesan.
- In another small bowl, combine the dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Trim any excess fat from chicken breast. Slice into 1/2-inch thick strips, then each slice into 2 to 3 nuggets.
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture and then dip each piece into the breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Place nuggets in the air fryer basket, in a single layer without touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 6 minutes, flip them over, and air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes. Check nuggets for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove nuggets from basket with tongs and set onto a plate to cool.
- Serve right away with your favorite dipping sauce.
