Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook chicken nuggets, and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken, and the whole process takes under 15 minutes. You can also make a big batch and freeze them for later. The key to getting that crispy texture is to use an air fryer with a basket with holes or a wire rack, which will crisp up the nuggets without needing to flip them.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Fresh Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs |
| Cut | Cut into 3/4-inch pieces |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper |
| Breading | Flour, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs (preferably panko), parmesan cheese |
| Oil | Olive oil or vegetable oil |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-400°F (180-206°C) |
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or Yum Yum Sauce |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, and it's similar to preheating your oven. By preheating your air fryer, you ensure that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture on the outside.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 206 degrees Celsius. This temperature setting is crucial, as it will directly impact the cooking time and the final texture of your chicken nuggets. If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step. However, for most models, preheating is necessary for optimal results.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken nuggets. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins or thighs if you prefer. The key is to ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you'll be ready to place the chicken nuggets inside. It's important not to overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between each nugget so they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.
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Cut chicken into nugget shapes
To cut chicken into nugget shapes, start by patting the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Then, place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cut it into 3/4-inch pieces. You should aim for approximately 20-24 chicken nuggets per chicken breast, depending on the size. If you find chicken breasts difficult to cut into the right size, you can use chicken tenderloins or chicken tenders instead.
It is important to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure the nuggets cook evenly and completely. You can also cut the chicken into nugget shapes and then freeze them for future use. To do this, let the cut nuggets cool before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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Prepare the breading
To prepare the breading for your chicken nuggets, you will need plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, cooking oil, buttermilk, and an egg and milk mixture. You can also add Parmesan cheese for added flavour and crispiness.
Start by adding the dry ingredients to a small bowl. For every cup of plain breadcrumbs, add a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of salt. Mix the seasonings into the breadcrumbs. Next, add two tablespoons of cooking oil to the breadcrumbs. Stir until the oil is evenly coating the breadcrumbs and the mixture looks like damp sand.
In a separate small bowl, add half a cup of buttermilk. Line up the chicken, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs. Using tongs or your hands, coat the chicken nugget pieces by first dipping them in the buttermilk, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs and coat them evenly. For maximum breading, transfer the chicken piece back to the egg mixture, coating all sides, then roll again in the breading. This creates the thickest layer of breading.
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Fry for 8-15 minutes
When you're ready to fry your fresh chicken nuggets, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer so your chicken nuggets cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. Once preheated, place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Try not to overcrowd the basket. You can cook the chicken nuggets in two batches if your basket gets too full.
Now it's time to fry your fresh chicken nuggets. Fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. The exact timing will depend on the size and thickness of your nuggets, as well as the model of your air fryer. Thicker nuggets and larger batches may take longer to cook. Smaller or thinner nuggets may only need 8 minutes in the air fryer.
Keep an eye on your nuggets as they cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how they look. If your nuggets are browning too quickly, take them out early. If they still look pale after 8 minutes, give them a few more minutes.
Once your nuggets are golden brown, it's time to take them out of the air fryer. Use tongs to remove the cooked nuggets from the basket carefully. Be careful not to burn yourself as the air fryer will be very hot. Now, let your chicken nuggets cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly cooked, crispy, and juicy chicken nuggets!
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Reheat or freeze leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken nuggets, the best way to reheat them and maintain their texture and flavour is in the air fryer. They will turn out hot, crispy, and just as good as freshly cooked.
To reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F (180°C–206°C). Place the nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd. Brush or spray the nuggets with a small amount of oil to make them crisp up more, although this is not necessary. Air fry for 2–5 minutes, or until they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. To freeze leftover chicken nuggets, let them cool before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 60 days–6 months. Frozen chicken nuggets can be cooked straight from the freezer in the air fryer. To reheat frozen nuggets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, and cook at 400°F (206°C) for 5–12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook fresh chicken nuggets in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through.
Dip the chicken in an egg and milk mixture before coating it with breadcrumbs.
Spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 400°F or 206°C.
Let the chicken nuggets cool down before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
