Making crispy chicken nuggets in the air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, without sacrificing the crunch or flavor. These nuggets are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Breading Station: In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken pieces evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to all sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Air Fry
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up properly.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Step 3: Serve
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the crispy air fryer chicken nuggets from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets:
- Chicken Choice: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. Cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Breading Tips: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken pieces to ensure it adheres well and creates a crispy crust.
- Cooking Spray: Using cooking spray or olive oil spray helps to achieve a crispy exterior without excess oil.
- Variations: Customize the seasoning of your chicken nuggets by adding herbs like dried parsley or dill, or spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra kick.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Enjoy these homemade crispy air fryer chicken nuggets as a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, perfect for a quick meal or snack!