Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Crispy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets with a golden panko breadcrumb coating and tender chicken inside. An easy family-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients and very little oil.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 14

Total Time 29

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine British-inspired

Servings 4 people

Equipment

Air Fryer, Food Thermometer

Ingredients

500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
80 g panko breadcrumbs
40 g plain flour
2 medium eggs
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic granules
½ tsp onion granules
½ tsp dried mixed herbs
½ tsp fine salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces, approximately 3cm wide. Pat dry with kitchen paper.
2. Prepare the Coating: Place the flour in one shallow bowl and beat the eggs in another. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to coat evenly.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 190°C for approximately 3 minutes if recommended by your appliance manufacturer.
5. Arrange the Nuggets: Lightly brush or spray the coated chicken with oil. Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
6. Air Fry: Cook at 190°C for approximately 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook in batches if necessary.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a food thermometer to check that the centre of the largest nugget reaches at least 75°C. Continue cooking if needed.
8. Serve: Serve the nuggets hot with ketchup, barbecue sauce or your favourite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy nuggets, use panko breadcrumbs and lightly coat them with oil before cooking. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Turn halfway through for even browning. Cooking times vary depending on nugget size and air fryer model. Always check that the centre reaches at least 75°C. Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly and eat within 48 hours. Reheat only once until piping hot throughout.