Learn how to make these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, they’re the ultimate quick and easy snack or lunch for adults and kids alike!
It’s no secret that I love creating deep fryer recipes. In my opinion, frying anything is a guaranteed winner, but air fried chicken nuggets? It’s the best of both worlds.
Why this recipe works
- Healthier. Just a drizzle of oil in the deep fryer and pouring over the chicken nuggets is all you need for flavorful, flavorful nuggets.
- Less cleaning. All you need is a couple of chicken batter bowls and your deep fryer basket. No need for a messy fryer!
- Perfectly crunchy. The air fryer strikes the perfect balance of crispy topping without drying out the chicken.
- It works with frozen chicken. You can store breaded nuggets in the freezer and add them directly to your deep fryer.
My favorite thing about this recipe is that it is kid-friendly! With minimal prep work, you can prepare these nuggets at any time. Pair them with zucchini fries or tofu and the kids will think they’re eating fast food, but it’s so much healthier!
Ingredients needed
- Chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best. Cut them into nuggets.
- Panko breadcrumbs. For the crunchy topping. If you like, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for extra flavor.
- Salt. You can add to taste.
- Oil. Preferably olive oil as it’s a healthier option, but any cooking oil will work.
- Flour. to dredge nuggets. As with the breadcrumbs, the flour can be substituted for gluten-free flour.
- eggs. Three large eggs, lightly beaten. This is the sticky layer that the panko will stick to.
- How to make chicken nuggets in the deep fryer
- Aside from preparing the chicken, the rest of the time that goes into making these nuggets is pretty minimal.
How to make the perfect chicken nuggets for the air fryer
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer
First preheat the hot air fryer to 200°C.
Step 2- Cover the pips
Take a bowl and add the panko, Parmesan cheese, salt and oil. Mix with a fork until just combined. In a second bowl add the flour and in a third bowl add the beaten eggs.
Step 3- Dredge the nuggets
Dip chicken nuggets in flour, then shake off excess flour and dip into egg, then bread in panko mixture. Press immovably to ensure the panko adheres to the pieces. Rehash this interaction until every one of the chicken strips are covered.
Step 4 – Air Fry the Nuggets
Generously grease the frying basket with oil. Add chicken nuggets in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Sprinkle the top of the chicken nuggets and sauté for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Repeat as necessary until all nuggets are cooked.
Step 5 – Rest and Serve
Allow your nuggets to cool briefly before serving with ketchup and your favorite sauce.
Can I bake them instead?
Yeah! If you prefer to cook your chicken nuggets, you can do so with a simple substitution.
Start by preparing the chicken nuggets as directed, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then bake in the preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for 12-15 minutes, checking halfway through cooking.
storage instructions
Storage: Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat: Return to deep fryer at 350°F/177°C for 5-6 minutes or place in preheated oven. Avoid the microwave as the chicken will lose its crisp texture.
Freeze: Allow the nuggets to cool before placing in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 239 kcal | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 285 IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 2mg | NET Carbs: 12g
Frequent question
How long do you cook chicken nuggets in the deep fryer?
The ideal cooking time for air fried chicken nuggets depends on their size and the size of your deep fryer. Ideally 12 minutes should be enough. Assuming your chunks are little, check them following 10 minutes and cook them when they arrive at an inside temperature of 74°C/165°F.
Should I flip the nuggets in the fryer?
If your nuggets are evenly layered in the fryer basket, you shouldn’t have to flip them. If the chickens overlap a bit, you can try flipping them after 5 minutes to get all sides crisp.
Are they gluten free?
Being made with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, these nuggets are suitable for coeliacs.
Can I use frozen chicken nuggets?
To fry frozen chicken nuggets, simply place them in the preheated air fryer and fry at 200°C / 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
