Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken nuggets are a universal food loved by both adults and children. They can be made healthier and quicker at home in an air fryer, with less clean-up required than traditional frying methods. You can make air fryer chicken nuggets from scratch or cook shop-bought frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer to cook chicken nuggets

Air fryers are a quick and healthy way to cook food. They are also easy to use and require little to no clean-up. They are perfect for cooking chicken nuggets, which are a favourite food for both children and adults.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Eggs
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or cooking)
• Spices (garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, etc.)
• Buttermilk (or milk and vinegar/lemon juice)
• Parmesan cheese

Method

First, cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenders or tenderloins. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge the pieces in flour. You can also add spices to the flour for extra flavour.

In a separate bowl, beat some eggs. Dip the floured chicken pieces in the egg, then coat them with breadcrumbs. Make sure the nuggets are thoroughly coated. If using regular breadcrumbs, you can add oil and spices to the mixture.

Place the breaded nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the tops with oil and air fry for 8-15 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to flip the nuggets halfway through, depending on your air fryer.

Tips

• It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the nuggets.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the nuggets are fully cooked. The internal temperature should be 74°C/165°F.
• For gluten-free nuggets, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• You can also cook frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer. Simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Serving

Air fryer chicken nuggets are great on their own or with a dipping sauce. Try ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets!

How to prepare chicken nuggets for the air fryer

Preparing chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a simple and convenient process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken nuggets for the air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk (or alternatives like milk and vinegar/lemon juice, or Greek yogurt)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• Oil (neutral oils like olive or vegetable oil work well)
• Spices (such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt)
• Eggs (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1 – Cut and Season the Chicken:

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces, around 3/4 inch thick. You should get about 20-24 nuggets from one chicken breast. Sprinkle salt (or your choice of seasoning) evenly over the chicken pieces.

Step 2 – Prepare the Coating:

In one bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, add the buttermilk (or alternative). In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and oil. Mix the ingredients in the third bowl until the oil is evenly coating the breadcrumb mixture, creating a texture similar to damp sand. You can also add parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3 – Coat the Chicken:

Using tongs or your hands, dip the chicken pieces first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the buttermilk, and finally, coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken pieces into the breadcrumbs to ensure the coating sticks. Set the coated nuggets aside.

Step 4 – Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is important as it ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Step 5 – Place the Nuggets in the Air Fryer:

Place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil for extra crispness.

Step 6 – Air Fry the Nuggets:

Air fry the chicken nuggets for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer can vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the size of the nuggets. However, there are some general guidelines that can help ensure your nuggets are cooked thoroughly and safely.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps the nuggets get crispy on the outside.

Once preheated, place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket as this can affect cooking time and crispiness. If needed, cook the nuggets in multiple batches.

For frozen chicken nuggets, some recommend defrosting them first or even partially cooking them in the microwave to ensure even cooking. However, others suggest that cooking frozen chicken nuggets directly in the air fryer is the most convenient method, with no need for defrosting.

The cooking time for fresh or frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. For frozen nuggets, a longer cooking time of up to 12 minutes may be required.

To ensure the chicken nuggets are cooked thoroughly, it is important to check their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The nuggets are considered safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.

When reheating chicken nuggets in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F and cook the nuggets for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken nugget dipping sauces

Chicken nuggets are a versatile food that can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces to elevate your air-fried chicken nuggets:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is a classic pairing with chicken nuggets, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours. It's a great choice if you're looking for something well-loved and crowd-pleasing.

Chick-fil-A Sauce

This copycat sauce is smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy, making it perfect for dipping chicken nuggets or fries. It's easy to make with just a few ingredients like mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard. You can also add some spices, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice to tweak the flavours to your liking.

Honey Mustard

A blend of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. You can use yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or a combination of both to adjust the flavour to your preference.

BBQ Sauce

Barbeque sauce is a classic condiment that adds a smoky, sweet, or tangy flavour to your nuggets. You can also mix it with other sauces or spices to create your own unique blend.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and savoury option that goes well with chicken nuggets. You can either purchase it pre-made or make your own by mixing sour cream or Greek yoghurt with herbs and spices.

Spicy Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic dipping sauce, but you can give it a spicy kick by adding hot sauce, chilli sauce, or even horseradish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try mixing it with other sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce to create your own signature blend.

Hot Honey

Hot honey is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavours that can take your chicken nuggets to the next level. Drizzle it over your nuggets or use it as a dip for a unique flavour experience.

Peri-Peri Sauce

Peri-Peri sauce is a spicy and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. It adds a bold kick to your nuggets and can be found at various stores, including Trader Joe's.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is a great choice if you're looking for something sweet and spicy. It has a tangy flavour with a hint of heat, making it perfect for those who want a mild spiciness.

Spicy Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a classic dipping sauce, but you can spice it up by adding hot sauce, chilli sauce, or even sriracha. It's a great way to add some creaminess and a kick of flavour to your chicken nuggets.

Reheating chicken nuggets

Here's a step-by-step guide to reheating chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C.
• Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overlapping. This is important to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Lightly spray the nuggets with a small amount of oil (optional). This step will help them crisp up more.
• Cook the nuggets for 3-5 minutes for refrigerated nuggets, or 10-12 minutes for frozen nuggets. For refrigerated nuggets, consider flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• Check that the nuggets are properly heated. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C when inserted into the thickest part of the nugget.

Some additional tips for reheating chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

• If you are reheating frozen nuggets, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply increase the cooking time accordingly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to reheat in batches if you have a large quantity of nuggets.
• Do not refreeze nuggets that have been reheated.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover chicken nuggets as if they were freshly made!

Frequently asked questions