These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal. The best part? They’re healthier than deep-fried nuggets, thanks to the air fryer, yet still deliver that satisfying crunch. Serve them with a side of Greek Yogurt Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious, kid-friendly treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are incredibly easy to make and come out perfectly crispy every time, thanks to the air fryer. The combination of panko and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs gives them an irresistible crunch, while the seasoning adds a savory depth of flavor. They’re made with simple ingredients and require no messy deep-frying. Plus, they’re great for meal prep and can be stored for later, making them a perfect, quick, and healthy option for busy nights!

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk (whole milk for extra creaminess)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (for added flavor)
1 ½ teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika for a smoky twist)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
Nonstick spray or olive oil mister (for spraying)
Greek Yogurt Ranch for dipping (optional, but highly recommended!)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.
Place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziptop bag with the flour. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken evenly.

Prepare the Dipping Stations:

In a shallow bowl (like a pie dish), whisk together the egg and milk.
In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Stir to mix evenly.

Coat the Chicken:

Working in batches, dip each piece of floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Shake off any excess.

Prepare for Air Frying:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to hold the breaded chicken as you go.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or olive oil mist.

Cook the Chicken Nuggets:

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Generously spray the top of the chicken with nonstick spray or olive oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The nuggets are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F and the outsides are golden brown and crispy.

Repeat and Serve:

Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken. Keep the cooked nuggets warm by placing them in a 250°F oven if needed.
Serve the crispy chicken nuggets hot with Greek Yogurt Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Tips & Variations

Extra Crispy: For extra crispy nuggets, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture to help create a crunchier crust.
Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Alternative Coating: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Meal Prep: These chicken nuggets are great for meal prep. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up!

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works just fine, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, be sure not to overcook them to keep them tender.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Frozen chicken should be thawed before breading and air frying for best results. This ensures the breading sticks well and cooks evenly.

3. How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?

Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg mixture to help them adhere better. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the nuggets cook evenly and crisply.

4. Can I make these chicken nuggets without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just spray them with oil to help them crisp up.

5. Can I make these chicken nuggets spicier?

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the egg mixture or breadcrumb coating for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Definitely! These chicken nuggets pair well with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing.

7. Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, just ensure you work in batches if your air fryer is small to avoid overcrowding the basket, which could result in uneven cooking.

8. Can I freeze the uncooked nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken nuggets before cooking. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

9. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko. However, panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture that regular breadcrumbs may not.

10. How do I make these chicken nuggets more flavorful?

Add spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor depth.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, yet equally delicious alternative to the traditional fried version. With their crispy coating and tender chicken, they’re perfect for dipping and make an easy meal or snack. Plus, with customizable flavors and the ability to meal prep, you can enjoy these guilt-free nuggets any time!