Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 50 g plain flour; 120 g panko breadcrumbs; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; ketchup

These homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and easy enough for a weeknight meal. A simple seasoned coating gives them plenty of flavor without deep-frying. Serve them hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time10 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
3
plain flour
50 g
panko breadcrumbs
120 g
eggs, beaten
2
garlic powder
0.5 tsp
smoked paprika
0.5 tsp
ketchup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set up a breading station with three shallow plates. On the first plate, mix the plain flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 to 1 tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Put the beaten eggs on the second plate and the panko breadcrumbs on the third.

Pat the chicken pieces dry, then coat them first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto each piece so they stick well.

Preheat the air fryer to 200C. Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary, then serve hot with ketchup.

Chef's Tips

For extra browning, lightly spray the breaded nuggets with oil before air frying. If you do not have panko, regular dried breadcrumbs will work, though the coating will be slightly less crisp. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep them crunchy.