Easy Light & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These Light & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets from Scratch are quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, they deliver a satisfying crunch without the grease of deep frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Set up your breading station: In the first shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it into the panko mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the coated nuggets on a prepared baking sheet or plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook in 2-3 batches.
- Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with avocado oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each nugget with tongs and spray the other side lightly with oil. Cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the nuggets in a regular oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 nuggets
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
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