10-Minutes Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe is the healthier and tastier alternative to the same old greasy deep-fried chicken nuggets. Made with real chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, and coated with Panko breadcrumbs, I love how they turn out truly crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil Or Avocado oil
- 1 Egg beaten
- ⅓ cup Buttermilk (or cream, half and half, milk)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Can use regular breadcrumbs or gluten free
- 1/2 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F/200C
- Set up a breading station with two separate bowls: one with buttermilk and beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Slice up the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Approximately 1 to 2 inches. Aim for 1/2 inch in thickness.
- Season your chicken pieces with oil, salt and pepper to taste, and garlic powder.
- One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg wash mixed with buttermilk (or cream), then into the breadcrumbs. (Remember to use one hand for the “wet” and one hand for the “dry” to avoid a big mess!)
- Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in air fryer basket. Space them out for even cooking.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, or cook until the chicken internal temperature is 165F and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
- Serve with your side of choice and favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in some garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices into the flour or breadcrumbs.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken nuggets in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Marinating your chicken before cooking can elevate its flavor profile. A simple marinade of buttermilk can do wonders. Allow the chicken to marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicier nuggets.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 502mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!