Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are delicately seasoned, lightly breaded, and crisped to a golden finish in the air fryer. Perfect for quick family meals, they pair delightfully with a variety of dipping sauces.
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Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 ounces panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free if preferred
- Cooking oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for approximately 10 minutes. Trim and dice the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch chunks and set aside. In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Spread the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even layer adheres. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer within the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Lightly mist the nuggets with cooking oil spray and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the nuggets using tongs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For even cooking, ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly. Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if desired. Olive oil spray imparts extra flavor but any neutral oil is suitable. Always air fry in a single layer for optimal crispiness, cooking in multiple batches if required. To make gluten-free nuggets, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Fully cooked nuggets may be frozen for up to three months; thaw before reheating. To reheat, set the air fryer to 400°F and warm nuggets for 4 to 8 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.