Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the main protein for the nuggets.

Breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy coating for the nuggets.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of onion.

Paprika: Adds a mild spice and color to the coating.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the coating.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and flavor.

Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken pieces.

To ensure your chicken nuggets come out extra crispy, try double-coating them. After the first dip in the eggs and breadcrumb mixture, let them rest for a few minutes, then repeat the process. This extra layer will give your nuggets a satisfying crunch.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breast.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a similar texture when properly seasoned and cooked.

• Breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar crunch to regular breadcrumbs.

• Breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free alternative.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can be used, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

• Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can provide a more robust flavor, though they may add moisture to the mixture.

• Onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onion powder.

• Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• Paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different flavor profile, so use sparingly if you prefer less spice.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• Black pepper - Substitute with chili flakes: Chili flakes add heat and a different texture, so use according to your spice preference.

• Eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken while adding a slight tangy flavor.

• Eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: For a vegan option, a mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a binding agent similar to eggs.

• Allow the chicken nuggets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled chicken nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.

• Transfer the frozen chicken nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, reheat the frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken nuggets rubbery and less appetizing.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.

• Use an oven by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until they regain their crispy texture and are warmed through.

• For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on the toaster oven tray and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until they are hot and crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the chicken nuggets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy chicken nuggets without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine ingredients like breadcrumbs and spices.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the precise amount of ingredients such as chicken breast and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface used for cutting the chicken breast.

• Tongs: A utensil used to flip the chicken nuggets halfway through cooking in the air fryer.

• Whisk: A tool used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Small bowl: A bowl used to hold the beaten eggs for dipping the chicken pieces.

• Air fryer basket: The part of the air fryer where the coated chicken pieces are placed in a single layer for cooking.

• Serving plate: A plate used to serve the hot chicken nuggets once they are cooked.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices the night before.

Use a shallow dish: For easy coating, use a shallow dish for the beaten eggs and another for the breadcrumb mixture.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of chicken nuggets and freeze them. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal.

Non-stick spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.