Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Get ready for the crunchiest, juiciest chicken nuggets you’ve ever made at home! These air fryer nuggets deliver that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken tender and succulent inside – and yes, they’re even better than your favorite drive-through version.

What makes these nuggets special? It’s all in the triple-coating process and the magic of parmesan-enhanced panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer creates that satisfying crunch without deep frying, meaning you get all the pleasure with none of the guilt.

Ingredients

For the Coating:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch nuggets
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Dredging:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures perfect browning while keeping the chicken juicy.
2. Create your dredging station:
   • In a shallow bowl, combine panko, parmesan, salt, and olive oil until evenly mixed
   • Place flour in a separate bowl
   • Beat eggs in a third bowl
3. Dredge each chicken piece following the “dry-wet-dry” method:
   • Coat in flour (shake off excess)
   • Dip in beaten egg
   • Press firmly into panko mixture to ensure good coverage
4. Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying thoroughly with oil. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
5. Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Work in batches if needed – overcrowding will prevent proper crisping.
6. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Smart Swaps

• Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option (1:1 ratio)
• Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan cheese to make dairy-free
• Try crushed pork rinds instead of panko for a zero-carb coating

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace panko with crushed pork rinds to reduce carbs by 12g per serving
• Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour (reduces net carbs to 2g per serving)
• Serve with sugar-free dipping sauces
• Pair with non-starchy vegetables to maintain low glycemic impact

Pro Tips

• Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
• Don’t skip the oil spray – it’s essential for golden-brown results
• Let coated nuggets rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help coating adhere better
• Make a double batch and freeze extras before cooking for quick meals later