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

Chicken nuggets are a beloved food for many, especially children. They are often fried or baked, but an air fryer provides a healthier alternative to these methods. Air-fried chicken nuggets are easy to make, cheaper than fast food, and can be made in large batches to store in the freezer for up to six months. They are also versatile, as you can add spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the breading for extra flavor.

How to cook chicken nuggets in an air fryer

How to cut chicken breasts into nuggets

To cut chicken breasts into nuggets, start by removing any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breast. Place the chicken breast flat on a clean cutting board and hold it steady with your non-dominant hand. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the breast horizontally into two thinner pieces. Cut each thin piece into strips about an inch wide, and then cut each strip into nugget-sized pieces, typically another inch or so in length. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.

Once you have cut your chicken breasts into nuggets, you can prepare them for cooking. Sprinkle salt and flour over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. You can also add cooking oil to the breadcrumbs and stir until they are evenly coated, creating a texture similar to damp sand. Dip the chicken pieces in a bowl of flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into a bowl of beaten egg, making sure to coat both sides completely. Finally, dredge the chicken nuggets in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

If you plan to bake your chicken nuggets, place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and spray them with cooking spray. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. Alternatively, you can fry the chicken nuggets. Heat a cup of oil to 375°F and fry for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

If you are using an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F. Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

The best breading for chicken nuggets

To make the best breading for chicken nuggets, you can use a variety of ingredients, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements.

A standard breading mixture for chicken nuggets involves coating chicken pieces in flour, followed by a dip in beaten eggs, and finally a coat of breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs can be plain, or seasoned with spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add cooking oil to the breadcrumbs to help them stick to the chicken and create a crispier texture.

If you are making the nuggets in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F before placing the nuggets in a single layer in the basket. You can also spray the tops of the nuggets with oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

For a dairy-free option, you can replace the eggs and milk with almond milk. Toasting the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken is another way to ensure a crispy texture.

Other breading options include using panko breadcrumbs, keto bread crumbs, or almond flour. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, or garlic powder, to add more flavor to your nuggets.

Finally, if you are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional frying, you can bake the chicken nuggets in the oven at 200°C/400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

How to cook chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

To make chicken nuggets in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Flour
• Salt
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cooking oil
• Buttermilk
• Eggs

Preparing the chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces. You should get around 20-24 chicken nuggets, depending on the size of your chicken breast. Sprinkle salt over the chicken pieces, followed by flour, and toss to coat evenly.

Preparing the coating

In a small bowl, add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix the seasonings into the breadcrumbs. Next, add the cooking oil to the breadcrumbs and stir until the oil is evenly coating them. It should look like damp sand. In another small bowl, add buttermilk.

Coating the chicken

Line up the chicken, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs. Using tongs or your hands, dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs and coat them evenly. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side.

Cooking the chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C/206°C. Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap and are not overcrowded. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil if desired.

Air fry the chicken nuggets for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. The exact timing will depend on the brand of nuggets, your air fryer, and the size and thickness of the nuggets.

Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Storing and reheating

Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F/180°C for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as the chicken will lose its crispiness.

How to store and reheat chicken nuggets

Storing chicken nuggets is simple. Place any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. It is not recommended to refreeze nuggets that have been reheated.

When you're ready to reheat your chicken nuggets, the air fryer is the best option. It's quick, easy, and the nuggets will come out crispy and juicy. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C). Brush the chicken nuggets with a tiny bit of oil and spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly. You can cook the nuggets in batches if needed. Air fry for 2-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check to make sure they are hot enough, and add more time as needed.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat chicken nuggets on the stove. Add one to two teaspoons of any oil to a large pan and let it heat up. Toss in your chicken nuggets and cook until they're heated through and crispy. However, this method requires more attention to prevent burning.

What to serve with chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile, and there are endless options for side dishes to serve with them. A balanced meal should include a vegetable, a source of carbohydrates, and a tasty dipping sauce.

For a healthier option, you could try serving nuggets with a side of vegetables such as arugula salad, pickled cucumbers, roasted sweet potatoes, or a shaved Brussels sprout salad. Crispy fried green beans are another delicious and healthy option, and they can be served with dipping sauces like honey mustard or creamy sriracha. If you're looking for a warm and hearty option, charro beans with bacon, garlic, and thyme are a great choice and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.

If you're serving chicken nuggets to kids, there are plenty of kid-friendly options. Baby potatoes can be seasoned with your child's favourite spices and served hot, making them a great crispy and salty option. Potato waffles, tater tots, and sweet potato are also fun alternatives to regular French fries. Mac and cheese is another classic side dish that kids are sure to love, and it can be made extra creamy with evaporated milk and cheddar and parmesan cheese.

For a more adult palette, you could try serving chicken nuggets with a glass of homemade wine and a side of cheddar cheese waffles. If you're looking for something spicy, pair your nuggets with a dip made from jalapenos, apple cider vinegar, and smoked salt, or try them with some chilli jam. For a Southern classic, fill a biscuit with a nugget, chilli jam, and cheese to make a delicious biscuit sandwich.

Frequently asked questions