If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthier way to make Air Fried Chicken Nuggets, then you’re in the right place! These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so much better than store-bought frozen nuggets.
With Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipes, you’ll get a homemade meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to make—especially with busy days in mind. Whether you’re craving Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets homemade easy or want to try something different with Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets from scratch, this recipe has got you covered.
The beauty of cooking Air Fryer Nuggets is how quickly they cook, and how versatile they can be. You can make them with Ground Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer style, use fresh chicken for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Fresh, or even go the Air Fryer DIY Chicken Nuggets route.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
Plus, these nuggets are perfect for those nights when you need an Air Fryer Recipes Easy Dinner Chicken Nuggets that will satisfy the whole family. So, whether you’re preparing Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer or want to try Chicken Nugget Recipes Air Fryer, you’ll be able to enjoy Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets in no time!
Curious about how long to cook chicken nuggets in the Air Fryer or how to get them perfectly golden? I’ll guide you step-by-step through the Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe so you can make these crispy, juicy bites just the way you like them. Ready to get started with these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless & skinless) – or you can use ground chicken if you prefer a different texture
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for a little extra kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray (for that perfect crispy texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
First things first, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. I usually go for chunks, but if you want to make them more tender, you can use ground chicken and form them into small nuggets. My kids actually love the chicken mince nuggets in the Air Fryer too—it’s a different texture, but just as tasty!
Get the Breading Station Ready:
Grab two shallow bowls. In one, beat the egg (you can add a little splash of water to make it smoother). In the other, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens—the coating gives the nuggets that extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets crunch!
Coat the Nuggets:
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, making sure it’s covered well. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well, ensuring a crispy outside when we cook them. This step is key to making juicy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets that are crispy and golden brown!
Time to Air Fry!
Preheat your Air Fryer Oven to 400°F (200°C). I always make sure the air fryer is nice and hot before popping the nuggets in. This ensures they cook up extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets that the whole family will enjoy!
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with some olive oil. Place your chicken nuggets in the air fryer in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them, or they won’t cook evenly. If you need to, do them in batches. It’s worth it for the crispy results!
Cook to Perfection:
Cook your Air Fry Chicken Nuggets easy for about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using ground chicken nuggets or larger pieces, you may need a few extra minutes. I recommend flipping them halfway through so they get golden on all sides. The Air Fryer Chicken Nugget time is usually spot on, but if you’re unsure, you can always check the internal temperature—aim for 165°F (74°C).
Serve & Enjoy!
Once your chicken nuggets in Air Fryer are crispy and golden, take them out and let them cool for a minute or so. Serve them with your kids’ favorite dipping sauces—mine love ketchup or honey mustard. And there you go, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets homemade and ready to devour!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets:
- Make Your Own Nuggets: Making chicken nuggets from scratch in Air Fryer is so much easier than you think, and you get all the flavor without the greasy mess.
- Add Extra Flavor: Want to get fancy? Try adding a little spicy chicken nuggets Air Fryer style by tossing in some cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.
- Cook Frozen Nuggets Too: If you have frozen Air Fryer Nuggets, just pop them in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. You’ll get fully cooked chicken nuggets in air fryer in no time!
- Make It a Meal: These Air Fryer chicken meals don’t have to stop at nuggets! Pair them with some air-fried veggies or a salad for a well-rounded, easy dinner.
- Ground Chicken Options: I’ve made ground chicken nuggets Air Fryer style, and they turn out just as juicy and tender. If you want a super soft bite, this is a great option.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets:
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have easy homemade chicken nuggets Air Fryer ready in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for busy moms!
- Crispy & Juicy: With the air fryer, you get the best of both worlds: crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets on the outside and juicy on the inside. Yum!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix up the seasonings or try Air Fryer recipes chicken nuggets with different dips for variety.
- Healthy & Homemade: Skip the deep fryer and make your Air Fryer DIY chicken nuggets with a fraction of the oil.
- Kid-Approved: Trust me, my kids devour these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets from scratch every time. They’re a total hit!
FAQs for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
How long do you cook chicken nuggets in the Air Fryer?
The cooking time for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets is usually around 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). However, the exact time may vary depending on the size of the nuggets and the air fryer model. Always check for a golden, crispy outside, and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
How do I make homemade chicken nuggets in the Air Fryer?
To make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets homemade, cut chicken breasts or use ground chicken. Coat the pieces in a mixture of breadcrumbs, seasonings, and a beaten egg, then air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I make chicken nuggets crispy in the Air Fryer?
For extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, spray a light coat of oil on the nuggets before cooking. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate properly.
How do I know when chicken nuggets are done in the Air Fryer?
The best way to check if chicken nuggets in Air Fryer are done is by ensuring they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The outside should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I make Air Fryer chicken nugget recipes spicy?
Absolutely! You can make spicy chicken nuggets Air Fryer style by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to the breadcrumb coating. Adjust the amount to your taste for just the right level of heat.
Can I make Air Fryer chicken nuggets from scratch without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can make chicken nuggets from scratch in Air Fryer without breadcrumbs! Instead, try using crushed cornflakes, ground oats, or even crushed crackers for a different texture.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 1 lb ground chicken)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
- Olive oil spray optional
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into small nugget-sized pieces. For ground chicken, skip this step.
Prepare the Breading:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
Coat the Nuggets:
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, you can dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs again.
Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil if desired. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check for Doneness:
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Making Air Fried Chicken Nuggets at home is not only easy, but it’s also a healthier and more customizable option for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for Air Fry Chicken Recipes Easy or want to try your hand at Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets from scratch, this recipe has you covered. From Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipes to delicious Air Fryer Chicken Meals, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures—whether you’re making them with ground chicken or fresh chicken breasts.
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Easy to prepare are great for quick weeknight dinners or a fun snack for the kids. You can even experiment with spicy chicken nuggets Air Fryer or a crunchier texture with extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. The best part? You don’t need to worry about Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Time, as they cook up quickly, in just about 8-10 minutes, with the air fryer doing all the hard work.
If you’re in the mood for something homemade, these Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are perfect, and you can make your own DIY Chicken Nuggets with the ingredients you love. Whether you’re making Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer or using a Air Fryer Oven Chicken Nuggets, you’ll be amazed at how delicious and juicy they turn out. Plus, you can easily reheat fully cooked chicken nuggets in the air fryer when you’re in a pinch!
So, next time you’re in the mood for some tasty and crispy chicken, try this easy and versatile recipe. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are sure to become a family favorite that you’ll enjoy making over and over again—whether you’re using ground chicken, chicken mince, or even experimenting with chicken nugget recipes air fryer style.
