Air-Fried Chicken Nuggets: A Scratch Recipe

Chicken nuggets are a beloved dish for both children and adults. Making them from scratch in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying or buying frozen nuggets from the store. They are also easy to make and can be prepared in under 20 minutes. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and steps needed to make delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Choosing the right chicken cut

Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts:

The ideal choice for chicken nuggets is boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts. They are lean, meaning they have a lower fat content, which helps create juicy and tender nuggets. Boneless thighs are also harder to overcook, ensuring your nuggets remain moist. Cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces is essential for even cooking. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch in size.

Chicken Tenders or Tenderloins:

If you can't find chicken breasts or prefer a different option, chicken tenders or tenderloins are a good alternative. They are typically easier to find in stores and often come pre-cut into strips, saving you some preparation time. Just cut them into nugget-sized pieces, and you're good to go!

Off-Cuts or Dark Meat:

While it's not recommended, you can use off-cuts or dark meat from the chicken if that's all you have. Keep in mind that these cuts tend to have more fat and connective tissue, which can affect the texture and taste of your nuggets. The higher fat content may also cause the nuggets to shrink more during cooking.

Tips for Preparing the Chicken:

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken before cutting it into pieces.
• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips first, then cut each strip into 2-3 nuggets.
• You can also use chicken strips directly to make chicken tenders and follow the same breading and cooking process.

Preparing the coating

Next, you'll need to prepare your chicken. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken into 1-inch chunks or bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs, but make sure to trim off any excess fat.

Now it's time to start coating! First, dip your chicken pieces into a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This will help the next layer stick. Next, dip your chicken into a bowl of beaten egg. This will help the final layer of breadcrumbs stick to your chicken. Finally, dip your chicken into the bowl of breadcrumbs and ensure each piece is evenly coated. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly so that they adhere well and give a thicker coating.

And that's it! Your chicken nuggets are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer.

Dipping the chicken

Firstly, prepare three separate bowls for the dipping process. In the first bowl, add the flour and any desired seasonings. Common choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavour.

The second bowl will contain the wet mixture. You can use a variety of options here, such as beaten eggs, buttermilk, or a combination of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. If you're feeling adventurous, try plain Greek yoghurt with salt and water for a unique twist. This step helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

The third bowl is for the breading. Combine the breadcrumbs, panko (for that extra crunch), Parmesan cheese, and any additional spices you fancy. Panko breadcrumbs are the preferred choice for a superior crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will also do the trick. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Now it's time to dip the chicken! Take each piece of chicken and fully coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the wet mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Finally, coat the chicken with the breading mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Repeat this process until all your chicken pieces are breaded.

Once all your chicken pieces are ready, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap, as this will affect the crispiness. If needed, cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Generously grease the basket and give the tops of the chicken nuggets a light spray with olive oil or cooking spray.

Now you're ready to air fry those delicious nuggets! Depending on your air fryer and the size of your nuggets, the cooking time may vary slightly, but generally, 8-15 minutes at around 400°F should do the trick. Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking and that desirable golden colour.

And there you have it! Perfectly dipped and cooked chicken nuggets, ready to be devoured. Don't forget to serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, whether it's ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or something more adventurous. Enjoy!

Cooking the nuggets

Now that you've prepared your chicken pieces, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a detailed guide on how to cook your chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is crucial, as it ensures your nuggets cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispiness. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the coating mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and any desired spices. You can also add a small amount of oil to help the coating stick to the chicken and crisp up.

Next, take each chicken piece and dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg before finally coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even and thick coating.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to arrange the nuggets inside. Place them in a single layer, leaving some space around each nugget. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect the crispiness of the final product. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking.

Before placing the basket into the air fryer, spray the tops of the nuggets with a light coating of oil. This will help achieve that golden, crispy texture. Then, air fry the nuggets for 8-12 minutes at 400°F. For the best results, flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even Chick-fil-A sauce!

Your homemade chicken nuggets are now ready to be enjoyed! They are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. You can also experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favorite combinations. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 2-3 minutes, or pop them in a preheated oven. Avoid using the microwave, as this will make the chicken lose its crispiness.

Frequently asked questions