If you love crispy, juicy chicken nuggets but want a healthier, faster way to make them at home, cooking chicken nuggets in the air fryer is your new best friend. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, giving you that perfect crunch without the extra oil and mess of deep frying. Ready to make your own delicious chicken nuggets that rival any fast food? Let’s dive into how to cook chicken nuggets in the air fryer step-by-step!
Why Cook Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer?
– Healthier Option: Uses little to no oil, cutting down on calories and fat.
– Quick Cooking: Nuggets cook in about 10-15 minutes.
– Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: The hot air circulation crisps the coating while keeping the chicken tender.
– Less Mess: No splattering oil or greasy cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Egg (for coating)
– Milk or a milk alternative (optional, for egg wash)
– Breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
– Seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning
– Cooking spray or a little olive oil/butter to help the coating crisp
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Cut your chicken into evenly sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
– In one bowl, whisk together an egg and a splash of milk.
– In another bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for flavor.
3. Coat the Nuggets
– Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
– Then roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until well covered.
– For an extra crispy coating, dip the nugget back into the egg wash and then again in the breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes). Preheating helps the nuggets start cooking immediately and crisp up nicely.
5. Arrange Nuggets in the Basket
Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate and crisp every piece evenly. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Air Fry the Nuggets
– Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
– Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get golden and crispy.
– Nuggets are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crispy air fryer chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or party appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
– Don’t skip preheating. It makes a big difference in crispiness.
– Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
– Spray or brush lightly with oil before cooking to help the coating crisp up.
– Cut chicken pieces evenly so they cook uniformly.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
– Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
– Check doneness by cutting into the largest nugget or using a meat thermometer.
Variations to Try
– Parmesan Garlic Nuggets: Sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese on the nuggets before air frying for a cheesy twist.
– Spicy Nuggets: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a kick.
– Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
– Dairy-Free: Skip butter and use olive oil spray for coating.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
To keep leftover nuggets crispy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Cooking chicken nuggets in the air fryer is quick, easy, and yields perfectly crispy results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy homemade nuggets that are healthier and tastier than fast food. Give it a try and watch these golden bites disappear fast!