These air fryer chicken nuggets are a healthier, quicker, and easier way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Enjoy these mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, made from tender chicken breasts and coated in a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices! This healthier take on a classic favorite delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior without deep frying.
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Perfect for busy families, these nuggets are ready in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. Serve with your preferred dipping sauce for a tasty, guilt-free treat everyone will love. Gluten-free and make-ahead options are included!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: These chicken nuggets are air-fried, not deep-fried, making them a healthier alternative.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The nuggets are bite-sized and perfect for little hands. Air fryer chicken nuggets make a great addition to school lunches.
- Customizable: You can easily change up the flavors and spices to suit your taste.
- These air fried nuggets are great for picky eaters!
- They are versatile. Eat them by themselves, on top of salads, in sandwiches and wraps, and more.
- For more air fryer chicken recipes, try these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutions for these air fryer chicken nuggets. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
First, use boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you only have chicken thighs, those work well too.
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs to coat the chicken. This gives it a crispy exterior. If desired, you could also use crushed up whole wheat crackers.
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor. Feel free to omit for a dairy-free option.
The egg wash helps the breading stick to the chicken. Do not skip this step.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Use olive oil spray to prevent any sticking. In addition, this makes the air fryer chicken nuggets a little extra crispy.
Taste & Texture
Our Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The combination of whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and crunchy coating, while the chicken remains juicy and delicious.
These will remind you of your favorite childhood nuggets!
How to Make
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2
Make the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Step 4
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5
Air Fry the Nuggets: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Step 6
Serve: Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as homemade honey mustard or a yogurt-based ranch.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best air fryer chicken nuggets.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Egg Wash: Coat the chicken in whisked egg. This allows the breading to adhere to the chicken.
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly and become extra crispy.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Try different dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some fun ideas for your air fryer chicken nuggets.
Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Herby Nuggets: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture.
Cheesy Nuggets: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the nuggets before air frying for a cheesy twist.
How to Serve & Store
Serve: Serve these air fryer chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
We love serving these with air fryer potatoes or air fryer potato wedges.
Store: Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may be slightly juicier.
Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or a simple marinara sauce.
Yes, you can bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Equipment Needed
Air Fryer: This air fryer is easy to use! The basket style makes this recipe super simple.
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If you enjoyed this air fryer chicken nugget recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.