Air Fryer Mcdonald's Chicken Nuggets: Quick And Crispy!

Chicken nuggets are a universally loved food, and McDonald's is one of the most popular places to get them. Making your own chicken nuggets at home in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can make them taste just like McDonald's!

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make McDonald's-style chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

• Chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk (or milk and vinegar/lemon juice, or Greek yoghurt)
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika)
• Salt

Chicken Cutting

Cut the chicken breasts into cubes or nugget shapes. The size of the chicken pieces will determine how many nuggets you get. For example, cutting a chicken breast into 3/4 inch pieces should give you around 20-24 nuggets.

Chicken Brining (Optional)

For extra flavour, you can brine the chicken pieces in a solution of your choice. One option is to soak the chicken in pickle juice for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can make a brine using buttermilk, or a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice.

Chicken Coating

Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and a sprinkle of salt. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk (or alternative). In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and your chosen spices.

Chicken Breadcrumbs

Take each piece of chicken and coat it first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. You can use tongs or your hands for this step.

Chicken Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil and air fry for around 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Chicken Serving

Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. McDonald's chicken nuggets are typically served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce.

Battering

To begin battering your chicken nuggets, you'll need to prepare three separate dishes: two for dry ingredients and one for wet. For the first dry mixture, combine flour with a small amount of salt in a shallow bowl or on a plate. This initial flour coating helps the wet mixture adhere better to the chicken. You can also season the flour with additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper, if desired.

Next, prepare the wet mixture in a separate bowl by whisking together eggs and milk. You can use a fork or a whisk to combine these ingredients thoroughly. This mixture will help the second dry coating adhere to the chicken and also contribute to a moist and tender texture.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken pieces. First, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour, as too much can make the batter clumpy. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated and let any excess egg mixture drip off.

Finally, it's time for the second dry coating. Prepare another shallow bowl or plate with your choice of dry coating. You can use breadcrumbs, cornstarch, or a combination of both. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper can also be added for extra flavour. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture, shaking off any excess.

By following these steps, you've successfully battered your chicken nuggets, and they're now ready for the air fryer! This battering technique ensures your nuggets will have a delicious, crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

Coating

The coating is a crucial step in achieving that McDonald's-style crunch and flavour for your chicken nuggets. Here's a detailed guide on preparing the coating and battering the chicken pieces:

Preparing the Coating:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. You can also add in some parsley flakes, oregano, or other spices of your choice for extra flavour.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg and milk. This mixture will help the dry coating adhere to the chicken.
• If you're using breadcrumbs, prepare another shallow bowl with plain breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with your desired spices. You can add some cooking oil to the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up evenly and achieve that golden brown colour. Mix well.

Battering the Chicken:

• Grab a piece of chicken with metal tongs or your hands.
• Dip the chicken piece into the wet mixture (egg and milk), making sure it's well coated.
• Next, coat the chicken with the dry mixture. Shake off any excess flour and gently press the chicken with your fingers to ensure the coating sticks.
• If using breadcrumbs, dip the coated chicken into the breadcrumbs and coat evenly.
• Repeat this process until all your chicken pieces are battered.

Now you're ready to place the battered chicken pieces into the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Enjoy your homemade McDonald's-style chicken nuggets!

Cooking

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to cook your McDonald's chicken nuggets in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F.
• Cut the chicken breasts into small, evenly-sized pieces. For that authentic McDonald's experience, cut them into nugget shapes.
• If you want to add spices and herbs, now is the time to do so. Sprinkle a mix of salt, parsley, oregano, onion powder, and pepper over the chicken pieces and combine well. Alternatively, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the flour and mix.
• Prepare three bowls for the coating. In one bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. You can also add cooking oil to the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up evenly.
• Take each chicken piece and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely coated.
• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking oil or spray oil.
• Air fry for around 12-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. The nuggets are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if they are done; the internal temperature should be 165°F.
• Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Serving

Firstly, you'll want to ensure that your nuggets are cooked to your liking and have reached 165°F. If you like them a little darker, close the basket, increase the heat to 400°F, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Then, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for 3-5 minutes. This is an important step, as it will ensure your nuggets are crispy and not soggy.

Finally, serve your nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular options include sweet and sour sauce, Chick-fil-A sauce, or a copycat Zaxby's Chicken Fingers Dipping Sauce.

And that's it! You now have a batch of golden, delicious, and healthy McDonald's-style chicken nuggets to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions