Make Crispy Nuggets In Your Air Fryer: Every Time!

Chicken nuggets are a universally loved food, but they can be greasy and messy to make. Air fryers provide a healthier, easier way to make chicken nuggets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here's how to make them.

Use the right breadcrumbs

The type of breadcrumbs you use can make or break the crispiness of your air-fried chicken nuggets. Panko breadcrumbs are the best option for a superior crunch. They are coarser than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter and crispier coating. If you don't have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crunch won't be the same.

For an extra crispy texture, you can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. Parmesan cheese not only enhances the crispiness but also adds a nutty, umami flavor to the coating. Make sure to finely grate the parmesan cheese for a more uniform coating. If you're using pre-shredded cheese, consider processing it in a food processor or dry grinder for a few seconds to get a finer texture.

When preparing the breading mixture, combine the breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning. This will ensure that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the coating.

Once you've prepared the breading mixture, it's time to coat your chicken pieces. First, dip the chicken in a wet mixture, such as beaten eggs, buttermilk, or a combination of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to press the mixture well onto both sides of the chicken to ensure a thicker, more adherent coating. You can even double-dredge the chicken by repeating the process for an extra crispy layer.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

When making crispy chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it is important to avoid the temptation to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the air fryer is a common pitfall, especially for impatient cooks or those cooking in large batches. However, it is crucial to give your chicken nuggets some breathing room to ensure they turn out crispy and well-browned.

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a rapid cooking process that crisps up the food without the need for deep-frying in oil. If you fill the basket to the brim, the air cannot circulate properly, and the food will not cook evenly. This can result in soggy, steamed food instead of the desired crispy texture.

To get the best results, it is recommended to cook your chicken nuggets in a single layer, leaving a bit of space around each nugget. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively, aiding in the crispiness of the nuggets. While it may be tempting to stack the nuggets or cook a large batch all at once, it is better to cook in multiple smaller batches to ensure optimal crispness.

The only exception to this rule is when cooking certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli. These vegetables can be stacked and loaded into the air fryer without affecting the cooking process. However, for proteins like chicken nuggets and most other foods, it is best to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

By following this simple tip and giving your food some breathing room, you'll be well on your way to achieving perfectly crispy chicken nuggets with a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crispy chicken nuggets. By heating up the air fryer before adding your chicken, you can ensure that your nuggets will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This is because the preheating allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature, so when you put your chicken nuggets in, they start cooking right away and get that delicious crispy texture.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This is a good baseline temperature to ensure your nuggets cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. However, you can also experiment with different temperatures, depending on your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. Some recipes suggest cooking the nuggets at 380°F or even 405°F for a shorter amount of time to get that crispy texture.

The amount of time you preheat your air fryer will depend on the model you have. It's recommended to preheat for at least 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature. However, if you're using a larger air fryer, you may need to preheat for a bit longer. It's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal preheating time and temperature for the best results.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place your chicken nuggets inside, making sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and cook your nuggets evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding.

After placing the nuggets in the air fryer, you'll want to follow the cooking instructions in your chosen recipe. Most recipes recommend cooking the nuggets for around 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your nuggets, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is a surefire way to guarantee your chicken nuggets are fully cooked. The internal temperature of the nuggets should be 74°C/165°F. This is a good way to ensure that your nuggets are cooked evenly and completely.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check that your nuggets are done by cutting into one of the larger pieces to make sure it's cooked through and no longer pink. If you're cooking frozen chicken nuggets, they should be heated through and crispy on the outside.

Freeze and reheat

If you want to freeze and reheat your chicken nuggets, it's best to cook them first, then let them cool before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

When you're ready to eat, there's no need to defrost them. Simply place the frozen nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F/200°C for 5-7 minutes, then turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions