Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken nuggets are a beloved dish for many, especially children. They are usually deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to prepare this dish. You can cook chicken nuggets from scratch in an air fryer, or you can cook frozen ones straight out of the freezer. You can also reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Using canned chicken

Canned chicken is a surprising ingredient in this recipe, but it works well and saves time and money. Using canned chicken also means you know exactly what's gone into your nuggets. It's a convenient, ready-to-use option that makes prepping these nuggets a quick process.

To use canned chicken in this recipe, start by draining the liquid from the can. Then, transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl and break it up into shreds using a fork or a pastry cutter. You can also use a food processor to make this step quicker, but be careful not to over-process the chicken—just a few pulses should be enough to mix and chop everything up.

Once your chicken is shredded, simply mix in the rest of your ingredients, form the mixture into nuggets, and cook them in your air fryer!

Using fresh chicken

You can definitely cook fresh chicken in an air fryer to make delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken nuggets. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Fresh chicken breasts, tenderloins, or tenders
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture)
• Spices (such as salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper)
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Flour (optional)

Instructions

• Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins or tenders if you prefer.
• Prepare the coating: In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with your desired spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk). If using flour, place it in a third bowl.
• Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour (if using), shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Grease the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Cook the nuggets: Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook for 8-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking for even cooking.
• Serve: Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sweet and sour sauce

Tips:

• For a thicker coating, double-dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Leave some space between the nuggets to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• You can also bake the chicken nuggets in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes if you don't have an air fryer.

Using frozen chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy method as frozen chicken nuggets are already pre-cooked.

Steps to cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (206 degrees Celsius). If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch. Leave space between the nuggets to allow hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides. If they are stacked, they will not cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.

Step 3: Air fry for 5-12 minutes, until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165℉. Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

Step 4: Using tongs, remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the basket and serve. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard sauce, or barbecue sauce.

Tips:

• There is no need to thaw frozen chicken nuggets before air frying. They will cook perfectly straight from the freezer and will have a crispy exterior and tender, juicy centre.
• You do not need to spray the chicken nuggets with oil before air frying.
• You do not need to flip the chicken nuggets halfway through cooking unless they are overlapping or stacked. If they are in a single layer, the hot air will circulate and crisp up all sides without flipping.
• The exact cooking time will depend on the brand of chicken nuggets, the size and thickness of the nuggets, and your air fryer. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones will need more.

Keto chicken nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 can chicken breast (12.5 ounces)
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method:

• Drain all the liquid from the canned chicken and pour into a mixing bowl. Use a fork to separate the meat.
• Add the mozzarella cheese, egg and spices. Mix well, then form into nuggets.
• Spray an air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and place the nuggets on the prepared air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Check them at the 12-minute mark and put them back in for 2-3 minutes more if needed. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Let the nuggets cool before serving.

Tips:

• If your chicken is stringy, you can quickly pulse it in a food processor—just don't over-process it.
• You can also make these chicken nuggets in the oven or on the stovetop. See below for instructions.

Oven Method:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
• Place the uncooked nuggets on the tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Stovetop Method:

• Pour oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil up to medium-high.
• Add the nuggets and turn the heat down to medium.
• Once they start to brown, flip and brown the other side.
• When done, transfer to a plate covered with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Let cool, then serve.

Gluten-free chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a universally loved snack, and making them at home is a great way to ensure they are healthy and gluten-free. Here is a recipe for delicious, crispy, gluten-free chicken nuggets that can be made in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 packet gluten-free ranch dressing mix (1 tablespoon powder)
• 1/4 cup gluten-free baking flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 2/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Milk

Method:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
• Set out three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the powdered ranch dressing mix and gluten-free baking flour.
• In the second bowl, mix the oil and milk together, whisking well.
• Place the gluten-free breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Dunk the chicken pieces in the flour, then the liquid, and finally the breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well coated.
• Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the nuggets with cooking spray.
• "Fry" the chicken pieces for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

• These nuggets can be served with your favourite dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
• For a crispier texture, use an air fryer instead of an oven, as it requires less time and less oil.
• If you are not gluten-intolerant, you can use regular wheat flour and breadcrumbs.
• For spice lovers, feel free to omit the ranch dressing mix and add your own combination of spices. Don't forget to add salt!

Storage:

These gluten-free chicken nuggets are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Enjoy these delicious, crispy, and gluten-free chicken nuggets as a snack or a meal!

Frequently asked questions