Air-Frying Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken nuggets are a beloved dish for many, especially children. They are usually deep-fried, but an air fryer provides a healthier alternative to prepare this dish. Air-fried chicken nuggets are easy to make, cheaper than fast food, and can be prepared in a few minutes. They are also a great way for kids to learn how to cook on their own.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken nuggets will cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture on the outside. Preheating your air fryer is similar to preheating an oven, and it only takes a few minutes.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by setting the temperature to 400°F. This is usually done by adjusting the temperature dial or settings on your air fryer. Once set, allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes. The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to refer to your product manual for specific instructions.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken nuggets. Cut a chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces—this should give you around 20-24 nuggets, depending on the size of the chicken breast. Season the chicken pieces with salt and coat them with flour. Prepare a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in one bowl, and buttermilk in another. Dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk and then coat them evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Once the air fryer reaches 400°F, you'll know it's ready to cook your chicken nuggets. This preheating step ensures that your chicken nuggets will cook evenly and efficiently. By taking the time to preheat, you're setting yourself up for a successful batch of crispy and delicious chicken nuggets.

Cut chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces

To cut chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces to make chicken nuggets, start by placing the chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, begin slicing the chicken breast into strips that are approximately 3/4 of an inch thick. You can also try cutting the chicken breast into equal-sized pieces first, and then slicing each piece into nugget-sized portions.

The number of nuggets you get will depend on the size of your chicken breast. A typical large chicken breast should yield around 20-24 nuggets. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

Once you have cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces, you can proceed with breading and seasoning the nuggets before placing them in the air fryer. For a simple breading, you can use a mixture of plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. First, dip the chicken pieces into buttermilk, then coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken nuggets, as they require no pre-heating and can cook the nuggets in a matter of minutes. Simply place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size and thickness of your nuggets, they should be ready in 5-12 minutes at 400°F.

You can also cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, which is a great option for a quick and easy meal. There is no need to thaw them first, and they will cook evenly and completely in the air fryer.

Coat chicken with flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs

To coat chicken with flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs, you'll first want to prepare your chicken. Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat the surface dry on both sides with paper towels. You can also leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator to dry it out. This will help the flour adhere evenly to the chicken.

Next, you'll want to prepare your dredging station. In one shallow dish, add your flour. In another shallow dish, add your buttermilk. In a third shallow dish, add your breadcrumbs. For extra flavour, you can add seasonings to your breadcrumbs. For example, you can add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix the seasonings into the breadcrumbs, and then add cooking oil and stir until the oil is evenly coating the breadcrumbs. It should look like damp sand.

Now you're ready to coat your chicken! Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the buttermilk, and then transfer it to the breadcrumbs. Use your hands or tongs to coat the chicken evenly with the breadcrumbs. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.

Finally, give your coated chicken a final pat down. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere and ensure a crunchy coating.

Fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway

When cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they are cooked evenly. To achieve this, the nuggets should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between them so they do not touch. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides of the nuggets. If they are stacked, they will not cook evenly and may turn out soggy.

It is also a good idea to preheat the air fryer, just as you would an oven. This helps the chicken nuggets cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/206°C for a few minutes before adding the nuggets.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken nuggets in the basket and fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The exact cooking time will depend on the brand, size, and thickness of the chicken nuggets. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones will need more. If you are using an air fryer basket with holes or a wire rack, the hot air will circulate well and you do not need to flip the nuggets. However, if you are using a solid tray or pan, flipping them halfway through will ensure that both sides get crispy.

After frying for 8-12 minutes, remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Then, serve with your favourite dipping sauce!

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce

Chicken nuggets are a great vessel for your favourite dipping sauce. You can serve them with a variety of sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, Chick Fil A sauce, or even a homemade sauce.

If you're looking for a simple and quick meal, air-fried chicken nuggets are a perfect choice. They are easy to make and only require a few minutes of cooking time. You can use any variety of frozen chicken nuggets, from dino nuggets to traditional shapes, and even make them from scratch.

When it comes to serving, be sure to give the nuggets some space on the plate so they don't get soggy. You don't want your crispy, golden brown nuggets to lose their texture! It's best to serve them straight out of the air fryer while they're still hot and crispy.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 2-3 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as they will lose that delicious crispy texture.

So, go ahead and cook those chicken nuggets in your air fryer, and don't forget to serve them with your favourite dipping sauce! It's a perfect, convenient, and tasty treat for both kids and adults.

Frequently asked questions