Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets – thestayathomechef.com

Tired of soggy, store-bought chicken nuggets? Upgrade to our homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe! Crispy, juicy, and made with simple ingredients, these nuggets are sure to be a hit with the whole family. And for those who love a little heat, we even have a spicy option!

A hand holding a homemade chicken nugget.

Craving some crispy, juicy chicken nuggets but don’t want to leave the house or wait in a long drive-thru line? These homemade chicken nuggets are the perfect solution! Made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, these nuggets are ready in just minutes and taste even better than the drive-thru version. Plus, you can customize them to your liking by adding hot sauce for a spicy kick or using plain bread crumbs for a different texture. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or satisfying that comfort food craving.

Cooking with an Air Fryer

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air and a small amount of oil to cook food, resulting in a crispy and delicious finish. This cooking method allows you to achieve the same crispy texture as deep-frying, but with less oil and fat. This makes air frying a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.

You can use either a drawer pull-style of air fryer or a countertop toaster oven-style air fryer for this recipe. Drawer pull-style air fryers are typically larger and have a drawer that pulls out, where the food is cooked. Countertop toaster oven-style air fryers have a more compact design and often have multiple functions, such as toasting, baking, and broiling, in addition to air frying. Both types of air fryers work well for this recipe, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the size of your kitchen.

It’s important to note that when using an air fryer, it’s best to use minimal oil and to avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. It’s also important to shake or flip the food occasionally during cooking to ensure even crisping.

Substitutions

If you don’t want to use melted butter, you can substitute 1/2 cup buttermilk for the melted butter. If you don’t have panko bread crumbs on hand, you can use plain bread crumbs, but they will be less crunchy.

How long do I cook chicken nuggets in the air fryer?

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken nuggets and your desired level of doneness. In this recipe, the chicken nuggets are cooked for 8-9 minutes at 390-400°F, flipping them halfway through. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it has reached 165°F before eating.

Can I cook other foods in the air fryer with the chicken nuggets?

Yes, you can cook other foods in the air fryer with chicken nuggets. However, it’s best to cook foods that have similar cook times together. For example, you can cook vegetables or French fries alongside chicken nuggets. Make sure that all of the foods you are cooking are in an even layer in the air fryer for best results, or use some of the air fryer accessories that allow for stacking different items.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the chicken nuggets?

Yes, it is necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the chicken nuggets. This will ensure that the nuggets cook evenly and achieve the desired level of doneness. It’s recommended to preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the chicken nuggets.

Can I use other types of breading for chicken nuggets?

Yes, you can use other types of breading for chicken nuggets. You can use regular breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed cereal, or even cracker crumbs. You can also mix different types of breadcrumbs for a unique texture and flavor.

Overhead view of chicken nuggets in an air fryer basket.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cubed
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted salted butter

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and salt.
Dip the chicken pieces in the melted butter, then transfer them to the bread crumb mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or pan.
Preheat an air fryer to 390-400°F. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer, making sure to leave space between each one. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Spray the chicken with cooking oil.
Bake the chicken for 8-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve and enjoy!