Name: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1′ cubes; 1 egg; 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

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If you’re craving that classic comfort food crunch without the grease, these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, tender bites of chicken wrapped in a golden, crispy coat that practically crackles with flavor — and all with a fraction of the oil of the deep-fried original. Whether you’re feeding your kids, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a nostalgic treat, this recipe nails it every time. Let’s dive right in and make the best nuggets you’ve ever had!

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, yet each one plays a star role. The right blend of juicy chicken, crisp coating, and flavorful seasonings ensures every batch of Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets is irresistibly tasty and perfectly tender.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes for juicy, even cooking.
Egg: Whisked to help the breading stick and add a gentle richness to each bite.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs deliver that extra-light, crunchy exterior.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base for a sturdy, golden coating and helps keep the chicken moist.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor and helps the nuggets turn beautifully golden.
Italian seasoning: Gives the coating a subtle herbaceous depth—think dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Kosher salt: Seasons every bite and brings out all the flavors in every ingredient.
Dried parsley: Not only a pop of color but also freshens up each bite with herby notes.
Smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smokiness and gives the nuggets their signature color.
Onion powder: Boosts the overall savoriness with sweet, aromatic warmth.
Garlic powder: A must for that lingering richness and classic flavor profile.
Ground black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning and gives each bite a gentle kick.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start things off by preheating your air fryer at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. This helps the nuggets start crisping up the second they hit the basket, giving you that crave-worthy exterior and juicy, tender interior. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat button, just run it empty for a few minutes!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Egg

Crack your egg into a bowl and give it a quick whisk. Toss in your chicken breast cubes, stirring well so that every little nugget is slicked in egg — this step is key for getting the breading to cling.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Mixture

Grab a large container with a tight-fitting lid and add in the panko, parmesan, flour, Italian seasoning, salt, parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk this all together, breathing in that savory, herby aroma. This mix turns basic chicken into restaurant-worthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Transfer the chicken pieces straight from the egg into your container of seasoned breading. Secure the lid and give the whole thing a vigorous shake. This is a fun step for kids to help with, and it makes sure every piece is evenly coated for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the breaded nuggets in a single, even layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between each piece for proper crisping! Set your air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake at the halfway mark. You’ll likely need to cook in two batches—don’t crowd them. When the nuggets are deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through, they’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or an extra dusting of grated parmesan goes a long way in adding freshness and a homemade touch to your Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. If you love spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a zippy upgrade! Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces—classic choices like ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ, or even a punchy sriracha mayo all shine here.

Side Dishes

When serving up Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, you really can’t go wrong pairing them with crisp, oven-baked fries, a simple mixed green salad, or even roasted veggies like carrots and broccoli for a wholesomely balanced meal. If you want to keep things nostalgic, macaroni and cheese or corn on the cob bring that homey, feel-good vibe that’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful with the presentation! Thread nuggets onto skewers for fun party bites, tuck them into slider buns with pickles and slaw for easy mini sandwiches, or layer them over a hearty salad with ranch dressing for a protein-boosted lunch. However you serve them, these nuggets turn any meal into an event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep, school lunches, or snacking later in the week.

Freezing

Planning to keep some nuggets on hand for busy days? Lay cooled Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until firm—this prevents sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep their texture and taste for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive that signature crispiness, simply pop your leftovers into the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out sizzling-hot and nearly as good as fresh. No air fryer? The oven works too—just bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a richer flavor to your Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut the meat into evenly sized cubes for even cooking.

What’s the secret to getting them extra crispy?

The magic is in the panko breadcrumbs and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give your nuggets a little space, and shake the basket halfway through cooking for the ultimate golden crunch.

Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. There are several options in stores now that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Which dipping sauces pair best with Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets?

Classic dips like ketchup, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce are always winners, but don’t hesitate to get creative with sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, or even a cooling ranch dip.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, this is a fantastic family recipe! Kids can help shake the breading container, arrange nuggets in the basket, or choose their favorite dippers—making dinner both fun and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to upgrade your homemade comfort food, these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets truly deliver on flavor, crunch, and ease. They’re so simple and satisfying, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe on busy weeknights or for fun family meals. Give them a try—you might never go back to the frozen kind again!