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

Chicken nuggets are a universal food that both adults and kids love. Making chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a healthier and quicker alternative to deep-frying, and it's easy to do! All you need are a few simple ingredients and an air fryer.

Choosing your chicken

Chicken breasts are leaner than chicken thighs, so they may dry out more quickly during cooking. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which can help keep them moist and juicy. However, it's important to trim any excess fat from chicken thighs before cutting them into pieces.

You can also use frozen chicken nuggets and cook them directly from frozen in your air fryer. This is a convenient option if you don't have time to prepare fresh chicken or if you want to make a large batch to store in the freezer for later.

Making the coating

First, prepare three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together oil and minced garlic. For the third bowl, combine Panko, Parmesan, parsley, and paprika.

Now you're ready to start coating the chicken! Start by dipping the chicken breast pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat it in the Panko mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the Panko to ensure it sticks.

If you want an extra thick coating, you can double-dredge the chicken by repeating the process. Simply dip the coated chicken back into the egg mixture, and then toss again in the Panko mixture.

Prepping the chicken

Preparing the chicken is the most important part of making chicken nuggets in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of chicken you want to use. Most recipes recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs or tenderloins/tenders can also be used. The benefit of using chicken breasts is that they are leaner, but chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which can make them juicier and more difficult to overcook.

Once you have selected your chicken, cut it into evenly-sized pieces. For chicken breasts, cut the breast into 0.5-0.75 inch strips, and then cut each strip into 2-3 nuggets. Aim for a nugget size of around 1-2 inches.

Next, you will need to prepare three bowls for dredging the chicken. In the first bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings to this mix, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or Italian seasoning. In the second bowl, whisk together buttermilk or milk with an egg. You can also add a little water, pickle juice, or milk alternative if you like. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs. Regular plain breadcrumbs are fine, but panko breadcrumbs will give your nuggets a superior crunch. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and crispiness.

Now you are ready to start dredging the chicken. First, dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them in the egg mixture, and finally, coat them evenly in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so that they adhere well and give a thicker coating.

Once all your chicken pieces are coated, you can place them on a large plate or baking sheet. If you are not cooking the nuggets immediately, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day at this point.

And that's it! Your chicken is now prepped and ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Air-frying the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, you'll want to cut your chicken into nugget-sized pieces. Most recipes recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but you can also use tenderloins or tenders. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.

Step 2: Create the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls for dredging the chicken. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour. The flour mixture helps the wet batter adhere to the chicken.

In the second bowl, prepare a wet batter by whisking together eggs and milk. You can use buttermilk or a combination of regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use Greek yoghurt or water as substitutes. The wet batter helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and any additional seasonings. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for a crispier and tastier coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now, it's time to coat your chicken pieces. Start by dipping the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the wet batter, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, coat the chicken generously in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so that the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

Step 4: Air-Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Generously grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the coated chicken nuggets inside, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or oil for an even crispier texture.

Air-fry the chicken nuggets for about 10 minutes at 400°F. For the best results, flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your chicken, you may need to adjust the timing slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken nuggets are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.

Your air-fried chicken nuggets are now ready to be devoured! Enjoy the juicy, tender, and crispy goodness of these homemade treats.

Storing and reheating the chicken

Storing and reheating chicken nuggets is a simple process. If you have any leftover chicken nuggets, the best way to reheat them and maintain their texture and flavour is to use an air fryer. You can also use an oven, but avoid using a microwave as this will make the chicken nuggets soggy and less crispy.

Storing Chicken Nuggets:

Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze chicken nuggets in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six months.

Reheating Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer:

Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Add a tiny bit of oil to help them crisp up. Reheat at 350°F/180°C for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. If you are reheating frozen chicken nuggets, set the temperature to 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating Chicken Nuggets in an Oven:

Place the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions