Air-Fried Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken nuggets are a beloved dish for many, especially children. They are usually deep-fried, but air fryers offer a healthier alternative to prepare this popular meal. Air-fried chicken nuggets are easy to make, quick, and cheaper than fast food. They are tender, juicy, and can be served with your favourite dipping sauce. This method is also a great way for kids to learn how to cook on their own.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and that the outsides get crispy. While some air fryers do not require preheating, it is recommended to do so whenever possible. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C/206°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the nuggets. This will ensure perfect cooking every time!

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket or tray is not overcrowded. You may need to cook the chicken nuggets in two batches to avoid overfilling the basket. Make sure the nuggets are placed in a single layer, with space between them so they do not touch. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that the nuggets cook evenly. If they are stacked or overlapping, they may end up with a soggy texture instead of the desired crispiness.

The size of your air fryer basket or tray will determine how many nuggets you can cook at once. For example, a Cosori air fryer can fit about 14 nuggets, but this number can vary depending on the size and shape of the nuggets and the capacity of your air fryer. It is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions or user manual to determine the optimal number of nuggets to cook at once.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on it. Some air fryers may run hotter than others, so monitoring the preheating process can help prevent your nuggets from burning. Adjust the temperature as needed to ensure optimal cooking results.

By following these steps and paying attention to your air fryer's specific characteristics, you can effectively preheat your air fryer and be well on your way to cooking delicious, crispy chicken nuggets.

Use frozen or fresh chicken

Whether you use frozen or fresh chicken to make your nuggets, the process is very similar. If you're using frozen chicken nuggets, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply take them out of the box and put them into your air fryer. If you're using fresh chicken, cut the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces, which should give you around 20-24 nuggets, depending on the size of your chicken breast. Sprinkle with salt, flour, and breadcrumbs, and toss to coat evenly. You can also add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cooking oil to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

When it comes to cooking, the method is the same for both frozen and fresh chicken nuggets. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you're using an air fryer basket with holes or a wire rack, the hot air will circulate to crisp both sides without flipping.

Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3- 5 days. To reheat, place the nuggets back in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

Seasoning and coating the chicken

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into equal-sized pieces, aiming for approximately 3/4-inch pieces. This ensures that your nuggets cook evenly and completely. The number of pieces you get will depend on the size of your chicken breast, but you should get around 20-24 nuggets from a single breast.

Seasoning the Chicken

Evenly sprinkle salt over the chicken pieces. The amount of salt you use can be adjusted to your taste preferences, but a good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon per chicken breast. You can also add other seasonings like black pepper to enhance the flavour.

Preparing the Coating

In a small bowl, combine plain breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. A typical seasoning blend includes garlic powder, smoked paprika, and additional salt. Cayenne pepper, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper are also great additions for extra flavour. Mix the seasonings into the breadcrumbs until evenly distributed.

Next, add cooking oil to the breadcrumbs. The amount of oil will depend on the amount of breadcrumbs you're using, but it should be enough to coat the breadcrumbs evenly, resulting in a texture similar to damp sand. You can also use alternatives like melted butter or spray oil for this step.

Coating the Chicken

Set up a breading station by lining up the chicken pieces, a bowl of buttermilk, and the seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also use a combination of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, or plain Greek yoghurt, as alternatives to buttermilk.

Using tongs or your hands, dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer the coated chicken piece to the bowl of breadcrumbs, rolling it around or patting it gently to ensure an even coating. Set the breaded nuggets on a tray or plate and allow them to rest while you preheat the air fryer.

Flipping the nuggets

Flipping the chicken nuggets is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the nuggets cook evenly on both sides and helps to create a crispy texture. However, it is worth noting that if you are using an air fryer basket with holes or a wire rack, the hot air will circulate well enough to crisp both the top and bottom without the need for flipping. In this case, flipping the nuggets is a matter of preference but is not necessary.

If you are using a solid tray or pan, you should flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that both sides of the nuggets get crispy. To flip the nuggets, you can use tongs or a spatula. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will affect the cooking time and the overall crispiness of the nuggets. It is recommended to cook the nuggets in two batches if needed.

When flipping the nuggets, it is also important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so adjusting the cooking time accordingly may be necessary. Additionally, giving the basket a little shake about halfway through the cooking time can help to ensure more even cooking.

Once the nuggets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, depending on the source.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to reheating and storing chicken nuggets, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and maintain the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Chicken nuggets can be reheated in an air fryer to retain their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F and place the nuggets in a single layer on the rack or basket. Reheat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If your air fryer has a built-in reheat function, you can use that; otherwise, simply set the temperature and time manually.

Alternatively, you can reheat the nuggets in a preheated oven. However, avoid using a microwave, as this will cause the chicken to lose its crispiness.

Storing

Leftover chicken nuggets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. If you wish to freeze the nuggets, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Properly stored frozen nuggets will maintain their quality for up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions