Description
Crispy, golden chicken nuggets made in the air fryer with a seasoned breadcrumb coating, perfect for a quick snack or meal with a side of Greek Yogurt Ranch.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 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)
- For the Breading:
- 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)
- For Air Frying:
- Nonstick spray or olive oil mister (for spraying)
- Optional:
- Greek Yogurt Ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziptop bag with the flour, seal, and shake the bag 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, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure 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. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or olive oil mist. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Generously spray the top of the chicken nuggets with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- Cook the Chicken Nuggets: Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, and the outsides are golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining chicken, ensuring the nuggets stay warm by placing them in a 250°F oven if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the crispy, golden chicken nuggets hot with a side of Greek Yogurt Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Extra Crispy: For extra crispy nuggets, try adding cornstarch (1 tablespoon) 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!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
