Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken nuggets are a popular food item for both children and adults. They can be made in an air fryer, a healthier alternative to deep frying, and are simple to make. The nuggets are made with chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and a few spices, and can be served with a variety of sauces. They are a great option for those who want a quick, tasty, and healthier meal.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breast
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk (or milk and vinegar/lemon juice, or Greek yoghurt)
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, dried parsley)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Eggs (optional)

Method

• Cut the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces.
• Season the chicken with salt and sprinkle with flour, tossing to coat evenly.
• In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, spices, and oil. The mixture should look like damp sand.
• In a separate bowl, add the buttermilk.
• Line up the chicken, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs. Using tongs or your hands, coat the chicken pieces by dipping them in the buttermilk, then transferring them to the breadcrumbs and coating them evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches.
• Air fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through.
• Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, or Greek yoghurt.
• You can also add parmesan cheese and eggs to the breading mixture for extra flavour and crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating and crisping up the nuggets.
• For even cooking, make sure the nuggets are all roughly the same size.

What ingredients you need to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Making chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish. The ingredients you will need are:

• Chicken – You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, but thighs are juicier and harder to overcook. Cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces.
• Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will also work.
• Flour – All-purpose flour is used to dredge the chicken and thicken the egg batter.
• Eggs – These bind the breading to the chicken nuggets.
• Oil – A small amount of cooking oil is needed to help the breadcrumbs crisp up and brown evenly.
• Spices – You can use a variety of spices to add flavour to your chicken nuggets, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese – This is optional but adds flavour and enhances the crispiness of the coating.

Optional ingredients include buttermilk, milk, and alternatives like vinegar, lemon juice, or Greek yoghurt. These help keep the chicken tender and moist, and also help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

How to reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Reheating chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy and juicy again. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it successfully:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). Preheat for around 5 minutes or until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Nuggets

Take your chicken nuggets out of the fridge and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is space between each nugget for the hot air to circulate. You can use a pair of tongs or your hands to arrange them neatly.

Step 3: Brush with Oil (Optional)

For the best crispness, brush a tiny bit of oil onto the chicken nuggets. You can use olive oil or a neutral cooking oil. This step is optional but will help to enhance the crispness of the nuggets.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets

Now, it's time to reheat your chicken nuggets! Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). For cold chicken nuggets, air fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through. If your nuggets are frozen, air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Always make sure that your chicken nuggets are fully reheated before consuming them. Use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption. If they are not yet hot enough, return them to the air fryer for an additional minute or two until they reach the desired temperature.

Tips for Success:

• Only reheat as many chicken nuggets as you will finish. Reheating the same nuggets multiple times is not recommended.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• If you want to add extra seasoning to your nuggets, do so after brushing with oil and before air frying.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer taste crispy

Making chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this classic dish. Here are some tips to ensure your nuggets are crispy and delicious:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk or a buttermilk alternative (such as milk and vinegar/lemon juice, or Greek yogurt)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Oil (olive or vegetable oil works well)
• Spices (such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

Start by cutting the chicken into nugget-sized pieces. You can also add some spices to the chicken, such as garlic powder and smoked paprika, to enhance the flavour.

Next, prepare three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oil and spices (and Parmesan cheese, if using).

Dip the chicken pieces in the flour, shake off the excess, then dip them in the buttermilk, and finally, coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken so they stick.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil and air fry for about 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and tender air-fried chicken nuggets with your favourite dipping sauce!

Reheating and Storage

To reheat, place the nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F-380°F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as this will make the chicken lose its crispiness.

You can also store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer ahead of time

Making chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a simple process, and you can make them ahead of time and store them for later. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk (or milk and vinegar/lemon juice, or Greek yogurt)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• Oil (cooking oil or olive oil)
• Spices (salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, etc.)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces, around 3/4 inch thick.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and other spices of your choice.
• Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oil and spices (and parmesan cheese if desired).
• Dip each chicken piece into the flour, then into the buttermilk, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coat each time.
• Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and repeat until all the chicken is coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the nuggets for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Making Ahead:

If you want to make these chicken nuggets ahead of time, there are a few options:

• Refrigerate: Place the uncooked, coated chicken nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions above.
• Freeze: Place the uncooked, coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 6 months. When ready to cook, there is no need to thaw. Simply place the frozen nuggets in the air fryer and increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions