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 incredibly tender inside. And the best part? They’re ready in just 15 minutes.

The secret to these irresistible nuggets is the parmesan-panko coating that creates an ultra-crispy crust without deep frying. Each bite gives you that satisfying crunch you crave, while the parmesan adds a savory depth that takes these way beyond basic nuggets.

Ingredients

For the Coating:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into nuggets
• 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 a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
2. Create your breading station with three bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Add 1/2 cup flour
   • Bowl 2: Whisk 3 eggs until well combined
   • Bowl 3: Mix panko, parmesan, salt, and oil until evenly coated
3. Dip each chicken piece first in flour (shake off excess), then egg (let excess drip off), and finally the panko mixture. Press the coating firmly onto each piece to ensure it sticks.
4. Spray the air fryer basket thoroughly with oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve even browning.
5. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, 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, or until golden brown and crispy. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Smart Swaps

• Use gluten-free panko and almond flour for a gluten-free version
• Substitute ground chicken to make homemade nugget shapes
• Try crushed pork rinds instead of panko for a zero-carb option

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace regular panko with almond flour (reduces carbs by 18g per serving)
• Use ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs (0g carbs)
• Serve with sugar-free dipping sauces
• Portion size: 4-5 nuggets per serving (15g carbs)

Pro Tips

• Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
• Double-coat in breading for extra crunch
• Let coated nuggets rest 5 minutes before air frying
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days