Air-Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Chicken nuggets are a universal food that both adults and children love. They are a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets. This recipe will show you how to make crispy chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken

When making air-fryer chicken nuggets, it is recommended to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavour, while chicken thighs have a higher fat content, resulting in juicier and more flavourful nuggets. You can also use chicken tenderloins or tenders if you can't find chicken breasts.

Cutting the Chicken

Before breading and cooking the chicken, cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch or 2-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows for a consistent coating of breading.

Freshness and Quality

Always opt for fresh, organic chicken whenever possible. Look for chicken with a pinkish hue and avoid packages with excessive liquid, as this may indicate that the chicken has been previously frozen and thawed. Check the "best before" date to ensure you're using chicken that is within its recommended shelf life.

Preparation

Once you've selected the right chicken, trim away any excess fat and remove the skin if necessary. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before proceeding with the breading and cooking process.

Quantity

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you desire, you may need to adjust the quantity of chicken used. As a guide, one large chicken breast or two chicken thighs should yield enough nuggets for a single serving.

Remember, choosing the right chicken is essential for achieving the best results when making air-fryer chicken nuggets. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating juicy, tender, and flavourful nuggets that your family and friends will love!

Preparing the coating

Firstly, you will need to prepare three separate bowls for the coating. In the first bowl, add your flour, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine. In the second bowl, add your oil and garlic, and whisk again. In the third bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, parsley, and paprika. You can also add in a pinch of red pepper flakes and dried oregano to give your nuggets a little extra kick. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Next, you will need to dip your chicken pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, dip the floured chicken into the oil mixture, and finally, into the panko mixture. Make sure to press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks and creates a nice, thick coating.

If you are using pre-shredded parmesan, it is recommended to briefly grind it in a food processor first to ensure a more uniform coating. Also, remember not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook the nuggets in batches if necessary, ensuring they are in a single layer with a bit of space around each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and help you achieve that desired crispiness.

Cooking the nuggets

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken nuggets. Here's a step-by-step guide to making crispy chicken nuggets in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the coating

In a large bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and oil until well combined. In a separate bowl, add the flour, and in a third bowl, add the beaten eggs. You can also add any additional spices or seasonings of your choice to the flour or the panko mixture.

Step 2: Coat the chicken

Dip each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the panko mixture. Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks properly.

Step 3: Assemble in the air fryer

Grease your air fryer basket generously. Place the coated chicken nuggets inside, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil.

Step 4: Air fry

Set your air fryer to 400°F and air fry the chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Your chicken nuggets are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.

Tips for crispy chicken nuggets:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the nuggets in batches if needed, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each nugget.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken nuggets are fully cooked.
• For gluten-free nuggets, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces that you can use to dip your air-fried chicken nuggets in. Here are some ideas:

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a classic dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. You can make your own by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add in some lemon juice for a zesty twist.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is another popular option for dipping chicken nuggets. You can make your own or use a store-bought variety. If you want to give your BBQ sauce a tangy twist, try adding some lemon juice or vinegar.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

For a sweet and sour sauce, mix together some apple jelly or citrus herb jelly, lemon or orange marmalade, white vinegar, soy sauce, granulated garlic, a pinch of cayenne powder, and salt and pepper.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and herby dip that pairs well with the crispy texture of air-fried chicken nuggets.

Marinara Sauce

A tangy marinara sauce can also be a great dip for chicken nuggets. Try serving it with some garlic bread on the side for dipping.

Buffalo Sauce

If you like your chicken nuggets with a kick, try dipping them in buffalo sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, especially if you're serving them to kids. It's sweet and tangy and goes well with the crispy coating of the nuggets.

Storing and reheating

Storing Chicken Nuggets:

• It is recommended to store your chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cooked and cooled nuggets in a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.
• Label the container or bag with the date, so you know when they were prepared.
• When storing, avoid overcrowding the container or bag. It is best to store them in a single layer to ensure even cooling and freezing.
• It is best not to store reheated chicken nuggets, so only reheat the portion you intend to consume.

Reheating Chicken Nuggets:

• The preferred method for reheating chicken nuggets is using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven, but avoid using a microwave as it may compromise the crispiness.
• For cold chicken nuggets, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For frozen chicken nuggets, place them in a single layer and set the temperature to 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• If you are reheating fast-food chicken nuggets, such as McDonald's or Burger King's, follow the same instructions for frozen nuggets.
• Brush or spray a tiny bit of oil on the nuggets before reheating to enhance crispiness.
• Always ensure your chicken nuggets are thoroughly reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the nuggets, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions