Whether you’re cutting back on processed foods or want a healthier lunch option for the kids, these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a crowd-pleaser. Tender, juicy chicken pieces with a light, crispy coating make a satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Best of all, there’s no need to heat up the oven — the air fryer gets them ready quickly and with less oil.
Like making air fryer chicken tenders, there are a few simple tips that help these nuggets turn out perfectly every time.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Either works well, but boneless, skinless pieces are easiest to cut into uniform, bite-sized nuggets.
Slice the chicken into 1-inch long strips, then cut across to create small, even nuggets. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Brine the Chicken
Brining is optional but highly recommended. A brief brine keeps the chicken juicy and tender after cooking.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick substitute by combining milk with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Add a bit of salt and a splash of Tabasco if you like a hint of flavor without noticeable heat. Let the chicken soak in the mixture for 1–2 hours so the liquid can penetrate the meat.
For the coating, combine Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with flour, salt, and pepper. This creates a crunchy exterior that browns nicely in the air fryer.
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes. Temperatures and preheat behavior vary by model, so check your manual for specifics.
Remove the chicken from the brine in small batches, dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, and press lightly so the coating adheres. Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between pieces to allow airflow.
Lightly spray the tops with a high smoke point oil such as avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil. Cook at 390°F (approx. 200°C) for 8 minutes, flip the nuggets, spray the other side, then cook an additional 4–6 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
Remove the nuggets and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. They pair well with ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy dipping sauce.
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Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Easy to make, juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside homemade chicken nuggets, cooked quickly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup milk or almond milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Tabasco sauce, optional
Breading
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the milk and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in a medium bowl and let sit 5 minutes to create a quick buttermilk substitute.
- Add salt and optional Tabasco, whisk, then place the mixture and chicken in a resealable bag. Refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (about 200°C) for at least 3 minutes.
- In a shallow container, combine breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Work with 2–3 pieces at a time: remove chicken from the brine, dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, press gently to adhere, and arrange in the air fryer basket with space between pieces.
- Lightly spray the tops with a high smoke point oil (avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil).
- Cook at 390°F for 8 minutes, flip, spray the other side, then cook an additional 4–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Air fryer times vary by brand and capacity; adjust cooking time as needed. Recipe provided by Make Your Meals.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1 grams
Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g