Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe: A Delicious, Healthier

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack, try this simple Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe. Begin by cutting boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For a crispy coating, dip the chicken pieces into a mixture of beaten eggs, followed by breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. The result is golden, crispy, and tender chicken nuggets with less oil than traditional frying methods. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a healthier, yet equally tasty alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets and perfect for busy days or family meals.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe: A Delicious, Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken

If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack or meal, chicken nuggets are a classic favorite that almost everyone loves. But what if you could enjoy the crispy texture and savory taste without the added oils and fats? Enter the Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe—a healthier yet equally delicious option. Air frying offers a crisp and golden result without the need for deep frying in excessive oil, making it the perfect choice for those who want a lighter alternative.

This air fryer version of chicken nuggets is not only a healthier take on the traditional deep-fried version but is also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for the family, a snack for the kids, or a party appetizer, these air fryer chicken nuggets will quickly become a go-to recipe. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to make these crispy and tender chicken nuggets, including detailed instructions, nutritional information, and helpful tips for the best results.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Cuisines: American

Course: Main Course, Snack

Calories: Approximately 220 per serving

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Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Shallow bowls (for breading process)
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife (for cutting chicken into nugget-sized pieces)
• Cooking spray or oil spray (optional)

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Egg: 1 large egg (for the egg wash)
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (for coating)
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (grated, optional, for added flavor)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil: For spraying the nuggets (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the breading stations: Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, crack and beat the egg. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Coat the chicken: Begin by dipping each piece of chicken into the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated with egg. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure it adheres well to the chicken.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken nuggets cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
5. Air fry the nuggets: Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket—this will allow the hot air to circulate properly and create that crispy exterior.
6. Cooking the chicken nuggets: Cook the chicken nuggets at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for an even, golden brown crisp. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serving: Once the nuggets are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.

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Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

• Use panko breadcrumbs: For the best crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko creates an extra-crunchy coating that gives the nuggets a satisfying bite.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure the chicken nuggets are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you need to cook more nuggets, do so in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Spray with oil: While air frying requires little to no oil, spraying a small amount of cooking spray or olive oil on the nuggets will help them crisp up even more.
• Adjust seasonings: Customize the seasoning mix to your preference. Add more spices like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or herbs like Italian seasoning for an herby flavor.

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Nutrition Breakdown: Why This Recipe Is Healthier

Unlike deep-fried chicken nuggets, these air fryer chicken nuggets are cooked with significantly less oil, making them a healthier alternative. By using the air fryer, you reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing the crispy texture. Plus, by breading the nuggets yourself, you have control over the ingredients used, allowing you to choose whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber or avoid excess salt.

In terms of calories, each serving of these air fryer chicken nuggets contains about 220 calories, making them a lighter option compared to traditional fried nuggets, which can often exceed 300-400 calories per serving. This makes the recipe a great option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying the flavors they love.

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Why Air Fryers Are Great for Chicken Nuggets

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook by offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers mimic the effects of deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. This method results in crispy, golden-brown food that tastes indulgent but without the added calories and fat. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking to make healthier meal choices without sacrificing flavor.

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Conclusion

Air fryer chicken nuggets offer the perfect balance of crispy texture and tender chicken, all while being a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken nuggets. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or as a snack. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and delicious, making it a must-try for anyone with an air fryer. Give it a try, and you’ll soon be making these crispy chicken nuggets on repeat!