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Air fried chicken nuggets on a white plate with fries and ketchup.
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5 from 8 votes

Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Easy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe with a golden crispy coating and tender juicy chicken breast meat inside
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 387kcal
Author Beth Sachs

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

Metric - US Customary
  • 4 Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into bite-size chunks
  • 75 g Plain Flour
  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 175 g Panko Breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika

Instructions

  • Spray the air fryer basket with a cooking oil spray then preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  • Place the flour on a wide plate, the beaten egg in a bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in another large bowl or plate
    75 g Plain Flour, 1 Egg, 175 g Panko Breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Bread the chicken pieces by coating them first in flour (shaking off excess), turning in the egg (use a spoon to keep your hands clean), and finally rolling in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
    4 Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, in a single layer (you may need to air fry in two batches, depending on the size of your fryer). Air fry at 200C (400F) for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and the internal temperature has reached 75C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to check.
  • Use tongs to place the nuggets on a wire rack if not serving immediately.

Notes

Expert Tips:
  • If you don't have an air fryer, the chicken nuggets can also be baked in a preheated oven (200C/400F) for 17-20 minutes.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
  • If you don't have an oil spray, place some olive oil on a paper towel and wipe it onto the bottom of the air fryer basket instead.
  • Make sure the chicken nuggets are in a single layer in the basket to ensure they become crispy. Don't overcrowd them, it's much better to air fry them in two batches if necessary.
 
Variations:
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for cheesy chicken nuggets.
  • Use different herbs and spices such as dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, or chili powder.
  • Make a double batch if you're serving a crowd.
  • Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
 
Storage:
Store - Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
Reheat - In an air fryer or hot oven for 2-3 minutes.
Freeze - Allow the nuggets to cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer or oven for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
 
Nutrition:
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
 
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Amount per Serving
Calories
387
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
113
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
758
mg
33
%
Potassium
 
547
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
46
g
15
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
33
g
66
%
Vitamin A
 
217
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
96
mg
10
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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