Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, homemade alternative to fast food, with all the crunch and juicy flavor you crave. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these nuggets are perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re quick, easy, and satisfyingly crispy without the excess oil.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsbreadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)parmesan cheeseflourgarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprikaeggsalt and peppercooking spray or oil spray

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized nugget pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Place the coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.

Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.

Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative.

storage/reheating

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes for best results.You can also freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs work well and are often juicier than breasts.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps the nuggets cook more evenly and get crispier.

What dipping sauces go best?

Ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch are popular choices.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes, bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why are my nuggets not crispy?

Ensure they’re not overcrowded and spray them lightly with oil before cooking.

Are these nuggets spicy?

Not unless you add spices—adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Are they good for meal prep?

Absolutely—they reheat well and are great for lunches.

What type of breadcrumbs is best?

Panko breadcrumbs yield the crispiest results.

Can I add cheese inside the nuggets?

Yes, insert a small cube of cheese for a melty center.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are the perfect blend of convenience, crunch, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping snacks for the week, these nuggets deliver on taste and texture without the deep-fried guilt. Give them a try and enjoy the golden, crispy goodness bite after bite.