Go Back
When making air fryer chicken nuggets, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Craving a quick and delicious meal? Discover how to make air fryer chicken nuggets with this easy, flavor-packed recipe! You’ll learn essential ingredients, smart techniques, and fun customization ideas to satisfy everyone at the table. Perfect for kids and gatherings, these crispy nuggets are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a tasty twist on a classic favorite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the chicken.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour mixed with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, keep the leftover buttermilk. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Nuggets: Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, one piece at a time, allowing excess to drip off. First, coat each piece in the seasoned flour, then dip it back in the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Nuggets: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Place breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to do this in batches. Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with cooking spray.

            Cook: Air fry the nuggets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

              Serve: Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 45 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken nuggets on a vibrant plate, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and add colorful dipping sauces in small bowls to enhance the visual appeal.