Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Enjoy perfectly crispy and golden homemade chicken nuggets made effortlessly in the air fryer. These bite-sized nuggets feature a flavorful, seasoned panko breadcrumb coating that delivers crunch without deep frying. This healthier take uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly for a delicious snack or meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces
Breading
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Finishing
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Set aside.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Take one chicken piece at a time and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until evenly coated, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumb mixture once more.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer tray or basket lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken pieces into the air fryer tray in a single layer without overcrowding or overlapping—they should barely be touching. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Once loaded, spray the top of the chicken nuggets lightly with olive oil cooking spray.
- Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate for even crispiness.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and air fryer model.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For extra spicy nuggets, increase the cayenne pepper amount according to taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Keywords: Air fryer chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, air fryer snack, healthy chicken nuggets
