Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside! They offer a healthier, easier, and tastier alternative to drive-through or frozen classics. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ – 1 inch chunks
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup pickle juice (or omit and use extra buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Honey mustard, ranch, Chick-fil-A sauce, BBQ sauce, or fry sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with buttermilk, pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Drain the marinade and set the chicken aside. In a gallon-sized ziplock bag, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Add the drained chicken pieces to the bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal and gently shake until each piece is fully coated.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
- Step 5: Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Step 6: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the nuggets are golden and crispy.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- To avoid overcrowding, cook the nuggets in batches if your air fryer basket is small. This ensures even crisping.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, or all-purpose flour for a lighter coating.
- If you prefer, mix the coating ingredients in a bowl instead of a bag for easier handling.
- Switch up the flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix.
Storage
Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through, maintaining their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts cut into chunks. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
What if I don’t have pickle juice?
You can simply omit the pickle juice and use extra buttermilk for marinating. The pickle juice adds a slight tang but isn’t essential to the recipe.
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Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside! A healthier, easier, and tastier version of a drive-through or frozen classic, made with tender chicken breast, marinated in buttermilk and pickle juice, then coated in a flavorful panko breadcrumb and spice mixture before air frying to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 – 1 inch chunks
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice (or omit and use more buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Breading
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Serving Suggestions (optional dipping sauces)
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- Chick-fil-A sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Fry sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with buttermilk, pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or, for deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Prepare the breading: Drain the chicken from the marinade and set aside. In a gallon-sized ziplock bag, mix together panko breadcrumbs, flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Place the drained chicken pieces into the ziplock bag with the breading mixture, seal tightly, and gently shake until all chicken pieces are fully coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the nuggets: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, turning or shaking halfway as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste and re-season the chicken nuggets if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- You can also coat the chicken in a bowl if preferred, as demonstrated in the recipe video.
- Depending on your air fryer size, cook the chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.
- Store cooked nuggets in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer, chicken breast, panko, chicken nuggets, crispy chicken, healthier chicken nuggets
