Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe | Easy & Healthy Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack or meal for both children and adults, often served at fast food restaurants or cooked at home using traditional frying methods. However, deep frying can be unhealthy due to the excess oil and fat content. Enter the Air Fryer — a kitchen appliance that promises the crispiness of fried foods but with significantly less oil. The Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe is a perfect solution for anyone craving delicious, crispy nuggets with a fraction of the calories and fat content. This healthier alternative is easy to make, and the air fryer ensures a quick and crispy result every time.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps, provide nutritional information, and share tips to make your homemade chicken nuggets extra tasty. Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or a main dish, these air fryer chicken nuggets will surely become a family favorite.

Introduction

Chicken nuggets are a classic comfort food, but they often come with a lot of added calories and fat. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy, golden-brown texture of deep-fried nuggets without the excess oil. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, making it a much healthier option for frying.

This Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe is made with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The best part? You don’t need to compromise on taste or texture! The chicken is seasoned, breaded, and then air-fried to perfection, resulting in crispy nuggets with a tender interior.

Nutrition Information

Here is the nutritional breakdown of one serving of air fryer chicken nuggets (based on a recipe serving 4 people):

• Calories: 280-300 per serving
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 25g

These values can vary based on portion sizes and the exact ingredients used. The air fryer method reduces the amount of oil used in the recipe, leading to a lower fat content compared to traditional deep frying.

Prep Time

The prep time for the Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes the time needed to cut the chicken, coat it with the breading, and preheat the air fryer.

Active Time

The active time is about 15 minutes. This is the time it takes to prepare the chicken nuggets, including the breading process, and placing them into the air fryer.

Resting Time

Resting time for these chicken nuggets is minimal. Once cooked, you can serve them immediately. However, allowing them to rest for a few minutes before serving can ensure they stay crispy and cool down slightly for safe consumption.

Cuisines

This recipe falls under American cuisine but can also be considered a quick snack or appetizer that can be served in various global settings, especially as a kid-friendly meal.

Course

The Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe works as a snack, appetizer, or a main course. Pair it with a side of vegetables, a dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ, or even a salad for a complete meal.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, depending on portion size. Each serving consists of about 4-6 chicken nuggets, which can be enjoyed as part of a meal or a snack.

Calories

Each serving of air fryer chicken nuggets contains approximately 280-300 calories, making them a relatively low-calorie option compared to traditional deep-fried chicken nuggets.

Total Time

The total time for preparing the Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe is about 30 minutes. This includes both prep time and cooking time.

Equipment

• Air fryer (preferably a 3.5-5 quart model)
• Mixing bowls for coating the chicken
• Meat thermometer (optional, to ensure the chicken is cooked through)
• Tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken nuggets

Ingredients

To make these air fryer chicken nuggets, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray (for lightly coating the nuggets)

Optional for dipping:

• Ranch dressing
• Barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces (about 1 ½ to 2 inches). You can choose to use a sharp knife or kitchen shears for this.
2. Season the Flour: In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Season the flour with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix to combine.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. This will act as the binder for the breadcrumbs.
4. Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. If you prefer extra crunch, you can mix in a little more paprika or seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
5. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help the chicken nuggets cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
7. Cook the Chicken Nuggets: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.
8. Air Fry: Cook the chicken nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
9. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken nuggets a light and crispy coating. Avoid using regular breadcrumbs as they don’t provide the same texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to leave some space between the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.
• Try Different Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Recipe is a quick, easy, and healthier way to make crispy chicken nuggets right at home. With just a few ingredients and the power of your air fryer, you can enjoy a tasty snack or meal with less fat and fewer calories than traditional fried nuggets. Whether you’re serving them to kids or enjoying them as a treat, these air fryer chicken nuggets will become a regular on your menu.