Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a game changer! Crispy, juicy, and healthier than traditional fried nuggets—perfect for quick dinners and snacks.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray or brush
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Japanese-style
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil cooking spray or olive oil optional for misting
- ½ cup honey for sweet dip
- ½ cup yellow mustard classic dipping sauce
- ½ cup dijon mustard for slightly sharper flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Make the Breading Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well for even distribution.
Coat the Chicken
- Pour the melted unsalted butter over the chicken pieces in another bowl, ensuring they are well-coated to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
- Dredge each butter-coated chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate or baking sheet.
Air Fry the Nuggets
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure immediate cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Mist lightly with olive oil spray if desired. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Dipping Sauces
- While nuggets cook, combine honey, yellow mustard, and dijon mustard in small bowls for easy dipping.
Serve
- Remove the cooked nuggets from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk or spices before breading for extra flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze extras for easy meal prep.
- Experiment with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning in the breadcrumb mix.
- If no air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Store cooked nuggets in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days or freezer up to 3 months; reheat in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.