How to Make Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

A healthier alternative to deep-frying chicken nuggets in oil is to cook them in an air fryer.

It is so easy to make delicious chicken nuggets at home in your air fryer. All you need to do is take fresh chicken breasts, cut them into nuggets, season them, dip them in melted butter and then in breadcrumbs, and bake for 9 minutes in the air fryer without any oil.

How to make air-fried homemade chicken nuggets?

This is a quick recipe for chicken nugget lovers, if you enjoy chicken nuggets in general then you will adore these air-fried chicken nuggets. To create them, simply cut fresh chicken breasts into small pieces, combine them with egg, cover them with seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake them for around 10 minutes in your air fryer. While the outside of the chicken breast remains delicate, juicy, and exquisitely delectable, the inside is golden and crispy. Just as enjoyable to eat with all of your favorite dipping sauces, but so much healthier than deep-fried or frozen chicken nuggets.

Tips for making crispy chicken nuggets

Cut the chicken breast into equal-sized pieces to guarantee that each chicken nugget is cooked evenly.

Lightly coat the chicken with nonstick cooking spray to achieve a lovely, golden, crispy crust,

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the nuggets gluten-free.

For a tasty parmesan twist, stir in a few tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.

Arrange the nuggets in a single layer with a small amount of space between each one to assist the hot air, circulate and aid in crisping the nuggets. Overcrowding them won't produce crispy chicken nuggets.

Make sure to dredge the breadcrumbs well on all sides of the chicken pieces to ensure that the breadcrumb mixture adheres effectively and forms a thicker coating that gives the chicken nuggets the ideal texture,

Preheat the air fryer to ensure perfectly crispy yet juicy nuggets.

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping them to ensure even cooking. Your food may stick together if you stack it, or the top portions may be overcooked by the time the bottom portions are done..

Ingredients

500g boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs

1 large egg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1½ tablespoon breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon cumin

1½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Oil or cooking spray

Procedure

Set your air fryer's temperature to 400°F (205°C) then s pray nonstick frying spray inside the basket.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut the chicken into small 1-inch pieces. Transfer the chicken to a medium bowl and season it generously with salt and black pepper.

In a small bowl beat the egg with the all-purpose flour until combined. Add the egg mixture into the bowl filled with the chicken and mix well to coat.

Combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika in a separate, shallow bowl.

Dredge one piece of chicken in the panko mixture. Cover each side by pressing gently with a fork.

Transfer the dredged chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single, non-overlapping or touching layer.

Apply a thin layer of nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn, spray, and cook for 3–5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Repeating the procedure, remove and cook any extra chicken pieces that may remain.

Serve right away with French fries, steamed veggies, or salad and your favorite dipping sauces.

Conclusion

Cooking them in the air fryer is the perfect way to make a homemade bite. It crisps them perfectly on the outside without overcooking.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can choose to bake them instead; follow the directions for preparation, put them on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes on the other side, or until well done.