Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Print)
Juicy chicken pieces with crunchy, golden breading—quickly air fried for a flavorful family-friendly meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
454 g boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 2 medium breasts)
→ Breading Mixture
02 -
65 g all-purpose flour
03 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
05 -
1 teaspoon paprika
06 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Egg Wash
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
2 tablespoons water
→ Breadcrumb Coating
10 -
95 g plain dry breadcrumbs
11 -
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Frying
12 -
2 to 2.5 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
# Steps:
01 -
In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water and whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
03 -
In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well and set aside.
04 -
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 3.8 cm each.
05 -
Working in batches, transfer chicken pieces into the seasoned flour mixture and toss until evenly coated. Shake off excess flour.
06 -
Transfer floured chicken to the egg wash and toss until well coated. Allow excess egg to drip off.
07 -
Toss the coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until completely covered. Place breaded pieces in a single layer on a plate. Repeat breading process until all pieces are coated.
08 -
With a basting or pastry brush, coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with neutral oil. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusted to the unit size.
09 -
Arrange breaded chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush or dab the tops and sides with oil.
10 -
Air fry the chicken at 200°C for 8 minutes. At the halfway point, turn the nuggets using tongs and brush top surfaces with oil. Continue cooking until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C. Extend by 2-minute intervals if needed.
# Notes:
01 -
For best results, bread chicken using one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to prevent clumping.
02 -
If using a different brand of salt, adjust measurements according to saltiness and texture.
03 -
Cooking sprays containing soy lecithin may degrade nonstick surfaces; opt for oil misters or sprays without additives.
04 -
Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.