Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Crispy Without Breadcrumbs

Chicken nuggets are a universally loved food, but they can be hard to get right. Air fryers are a great way to make chicken nuggets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the mess and calories of deep-frying. This guide will teach you how to make delicious chicken nuggets in your air fryer without using breadcrumbs.

Chicken breast prep

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breast. You want to ensure that your chicken breast is lean and free of any unwanted fatty parts. This step is important as it improves the overall taste and texture of the nuggets.

Next, cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces. It is important to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for a size of around 1-inch cubes or strips. This will ensure that your nuggets cook evenly and give them a nice, consistent shape.

After cutting, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, or any other spices of your choice. You can be creative with the seasonings to add extra flavour to your nuggets. Some popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, or a simple combination of salt and pepper.

At this point, you can choose to marinate the chicken pieces if you want to add more flavour. You can use a variety of marinades, such as buttermilk, Greek yogurt with salt and water, or a simple mixture of egg, salt, and pepper. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of your nuggets. Allow the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

Once your chicken breast pieces are cut, seasoned, and optionally marinated, you are ready to move on to the next steps of the nugget-making process, such as coating and air frying. Remember to handle the chicken safely and ensure your work area and utensils are clean to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared chicken breasts ready for the next stages of cooking.

Coating alternatives

If you don't have breadcrumbs to hand, there are several other options you can use to coat your chicken nuggets.

One alternative is to use crushed-up cereals such as cornflakes or rice crispies. These will give your nuggets a sweet flavour and a crunchy texture. You could also use crushed crackers.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you could use crushed pork rinds or almond flour. These will create a crispy coating without the gluten.

For a more indulgent option, you could try coating your chicken nuggets in crushed-up tortilla chips or pretzels. This will give your nuggets a bold flavour and a crunchy texture.

Finally, if you're short on time, you can simply use a store-bought breading mix. These mixes typically contain flour, salt, and other spices, so you can simply dip your chicken in the mix and fry it without having to prepare a coating from scratch.

Experiment with different coatings to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Air fryer settings

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through.
• For frozen chicken nuggets, air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
• To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• If your air fryer does not have a temperature setting, cook the nuggets for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cooking process

To make chicken nuggets in an air fryer without breadcrumbs, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breast or tenders/cutlets
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional spices: garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, or paprika
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Optional binding agent: egg, buttermilk, or Greek yoghurt

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces, about 3/4 inch thick. If you are using chicken tenders or cutlets, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl and season with salt and pepper, and any other spices you wish to add. Toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, add the flour. You can also add any spices you wish to include in the coating at this stage.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, shaking off any excess. If using a binding agent, dip the floured chicken into the egg/buttermilk/Greek yoghurt, and then coat with flour again. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil or cooking oil.

Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes at 400°F, flipping the pieces halfway through. The nuggets are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the nuggets in batches if needed.
• Always flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• For a crispier texture, spray the chicken lightly with oil before cooking.
• For best results, use an internal meat thermometer to check the doneness of the nuggets. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• You can also bake these chicken nuggets in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F and follow the same instructions for cooking time and temperature.

Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and juicy chicken nuggets!

Dipping sauces

Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces to accompany your air-fried chicken nuggets:

Honey Mustard Sauce

A classic combination of sweet and tangy, honey mustard sauce is a perfect match for chicken nuggets. It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Simply mix together yellow mustard, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, grated garlic, salt, lemon juice, and a little water to create a smooth, creamy dip.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

A smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken nuggets. While there are many variations, a simple recipe includes mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and yellow and Dijon mustard. For a more authentic experience, add a touch of honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

BBQ Sauce

A classic BBQ sauce is a delicious option for chicken nuggets. You can make your own by mixing BBQ sauce, honey, and mustard, or try a unique variation like Alabama White BBQ Sauce, which includes mayo and horseradish for a rich, tangy twist.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy and herby ranch dressing is a popular choice for chicken nuggets. For an elevated version, try making a restaurant-style ranch with buttermilk, garlic, and herbs.

Spicy Ketchup

For a kick, spice up your ketchup with some Worcestershire sauce and Sriracha. This dipping sauce is perfect for those who like a little extra heat with their nuggets.

Garlic Aioli

A homemade garlic aioli is a delicious, creamy option for chicken nuggets. Grate or finely chop a garlic clove and mix it with mayonnaise and lemon juice for a tangy, garlicky dip.

Other Ideas

• Lemon Pepper Sauce: A bright and peppery sauce made with fresh lemon and cracked black pepper.
• In-N-Out Sauce: A sweet, briny, and tangy sauce that's perfect for chicken nuggets.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy and tangy dressing with chunks of blue cheese.
• Jalapeño Ranch: A spicy twist on the classic ranch, with a subtle kick from jalapeños.
• Peruvian Green Sauce: A spicy, creamy sauce made with jalapeño, cilantro, and Greek yogurt.

Frequently asked questions