Description
Crispy, juicy chicken nuggets made healthier with an air fryer, perfect for family dinners or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim the chicken breasts of any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces, ideally about 1-2 inches in size.
- Set up your dredging stations: In one bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredging process: Begin by coating a piece of chicken in flour, ensuring it’s fully covered. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange for air frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry: Cook the chicken nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for uniform crispiness. They are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown on the outside.
- Serve: Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. They are perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.
Notes
For variations, consider adding spices or cheeses to the breadcrumb mix or using different dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American