Description
These air fryer chicken nuggets are a simple, healthy alternative to fast food that delivers perfectly golden, crunchy bites every time. By using a light panko coating and hot circulating air, chicken breast pieces transform into a protein-packed meal in minutes. This method eliminates the need for deep frying while maintaining the satisfying, crispy texture that both kids and adults crave for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional cayenne.
Dust each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture to coat thoroughly.
Press the chicken into the panko mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if required by your model).
Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil cooking spray.
Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before breading to help the coating adhere better. For best results, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which could prevent the nuggets from browning properly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Chicken Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg