If you’re looking for a way to make air fry chicken nuggets homemade, you’ve come to the right place! These crispy garlic parmesan chicken bites are the perfect addition to your air fryer chicken nugget recipes collection.
Whether you’re craving air fryer chic filet nuggets, or looking for a simple, flavorful way to make at home chicken nuggets, these garlic parmesan chicken bites are sure to hit the spot. Easy to whip up and full of savory goodness, these chicken nuggets air fryer style are a healthier option, without sacrificing that golden, crispy crunch.
Air fryer garlic chicken recipes are always a crowd-pleaser, and when you add parmesan to the mix, you get a deliciously cheesy, garlicky twist that’s perfect for dipping. Want to take things a step further?
Try making chicken parm bites air fryer style! With this diy chicken nuggets air fryer recipe, you can enjoy garlic parmesan chicken, parmesan chicken bites, and even chicken parmesan without the hassle of deep frying. These simple chicken recipes air fryer make the perfect snack or dinner for busy nights when you want chicken bites recipes that are fast, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into small, bite-sized chunks. I usually aim for about 1-inch pieces. If you cut them too big, they might take longer to cook, and too small, they could dry out.
Set Up Your Dipping Stations
Get three shallow bowls or plates ready. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the two eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! First, dip each chicken piece into the flour. This helps the egg stick better. Then, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs really stick. Make sure each piece is fully covered.
Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to keep the nuggets from sticking. If you don’t have a spray, just drizzle a little olive oil over the basket.
Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets
Place the breaded chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t cook as evenly. If you have too many, just do it in batches. Air fry the nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. They should be fully cooked inside when you cut one open. If you want them extra crispy, feel free to add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating
While the chicken nuggets are cooking, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Once your chicken nuggets are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and toss them gently so every nugget gets a nice coating of that buttery garlic goodness. If you want, you can sprinkle some extra parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
Serving Ideas
These garlic parmesan chicken nuggets are great on their own, but you can also serve them with some dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce. If you want to make it a full meal, pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. I love serving them with a little bit of everything!
Why You’ll Love These Nuggets
What makes these nuggets so great is that they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of savory flavor from the garlic and parmesan. Plus, the air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without all the oil and mess of deep frying. They’re much healthier, and my kids love them. Honestly, they’re perfect for when you’re in the mood for something comforting but don’t want to deal with the guilt of eating too much grease.
So, next time you’re craving something crunchy and delicious, give these air fryer garlic parmesan chicken nuggets a try. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible.
FAQs for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will give the nuggets a juicier, more tender texture. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating the air fryer helps the chicken nuggets cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes before placing the nuggets inside.
3. Can I make these chicken nuggets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken nuggets and store them in the fridge before cooking. When ready, just pop them into the air fryer and cook as directed. If you want to make them ahead of time and store them for later, you can freeze the breaded chicken nuggets and air fry them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to bring back the crispy texture.
5. Can I skip the garlic parmesan butter coating?
Yes, you can! The breadcrumbs and parmesan provide plenty of flavor, so if you prefer, you can skip the butter coating and serve the nuggets without it. But if you’re craving extra garlic parmesan flavor, the butter adds a nice finishing touch.
6. What can I serve with these chicken nuggets?
These crispy chicken nuggets pair well with a variety of sides. Try serving them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. For a more complete meal, serve with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or fries!
7. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can! Panko breadcrumbs give the nuggets a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work fine too. If you want extra crunch, consider using panko or adding a little extra parmesan to the coating.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure the flour you use is gluten-free as well. You can also substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
9. Can I cook these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. While they won’t be quite as crispy as in the air fryer, they’ll still be delicious!
If you’re looking to make air fry chicken nuggets homemade, these crispy garlic parmesan chicken bites are a must-try! They’re packed with flavor and have the perfect crunch, thanks to the chicken nuggets air fryer method. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chicken nugget recipe, want to try something new with air fryer garlic chicken recipes, or craving a twist like chicken parm bites air fryer style, this recipe fits the bill.
Recipe Card: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces).
Set Up Dipping Stations:
- In the first shallow bowl, add flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered.
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
Air Fry Nuggets:
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- While the nuggets are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Once the nuggets are cooked, toss them in the garlic butter mixture and add extra parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve your crispy garlic parmesan chicken nuggets with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Notes
- If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven while the second batch cooks.
- You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken tenders or thighs if preferred.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Making at home chicken nuggets has never been easier, and with these diy chicken nuggets air fryer instructions, you’ll have a healthier alternative to fast food chicken parmesean or air fryer chic filet nuggets. These parmesan chicken bites are a great addition to your go-to chicken bites recipes collection, offering the perfect combination of savory garlic and parmesan flavors. No matter if you’re serving up garlic parmesan chicken bites for a snack or pairing them with sides for a full meal, these simple chicken recipes air fryer are a quick, tasty option for any night of the week. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to make delicious garlic parmesan chicken at home!
