Name: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (8 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch cubes; 2/3 cup all purpose flour; 1 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp granulated garlic; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 Tbsp buttermilk or whole milk; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; Cooking spray or oil mister, for spraying

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 71 reviews

If you are craving a crispy, golden snack that’s both fun to eat and surprisingly easy to make, then this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is going to become your new kitchen superstar. These nuggets come together with simple ingredients and cook quickly in the air fryer, delivering that perfect crunch without drowning in oil. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a tasty appetizer to impress guests, this recipe hits all the right notes: juicy chicken coated in flavorful, crispy breading that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of raw cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. On the right is a white plate filled with small pinkish cubes of raw chicken. Next to the plate, there are two white eggs placed side by side. To the left of the eggs is a clear bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour, there is a rectangular glass container holding a light brown breadcrumb-like ingredient. Above this container, there is a small clear bowl containing grated cheese or a similar fine ingredient. Beside the cheese bowl, there is another small white bowl holding three different powdered spices in shades of red, brown, and yellow. In the bottom right corner, an orange and red bottle cap from a squeeze bottle is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays an essential role—flour and spices lay the foundation of flavor, eggs bind the coating beautifully, and the panko-Parmesan mix delivers an irresistible crunch and cheesy kick.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 3/4 inch cubes): Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and taste.
2/3 cup all-purpose flour: This base helps the seasoning stick evenly to the chicken pieces.
1 tsp seasoned salt: Enhances overall flavor with a balanced seasoning blend.
1 tsp granulated garlic: Adds a subtle, savory depth that’s never overpowering.
1 tsp onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and sharpness to the coating.
1 tsp paprika: Imparts a touch of smoky color and mild warmth to the nuggets.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a slight kick without overwhelming the palate.
2 large eggs: Bind the coatings while keeping the nuggets tender inside.
2 Tbsp buttermilk or whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg wash.
2 cups panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create an incredibly light and crispy crust.
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses every bite with a sharp, salty savoriness.
Cooking spray or oil mister: Ensures the nuggets crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without needing deep frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F to warm it up. Preheating ensures your chicken nuggets cook evenly and develop that crave-worthy crispy exterior right from the first minute.

Step 2: Prepare Your Seasoned Flour Mix

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This blend becomes the first layer of flavor on your chicken pieces, giving every nugget a delicious savory backbone.

Step 3: Make the Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs with buttermilk or whole milk and whisk until smooth. The richness of this mixture helps the panko-Parmesan coating cling tightly to the chicken, locking in moisture as it cooks.

Step 4: Mix the Crispy Coating

Combine the panko breadcrumbs with the finely grated Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish. This combo provides the golden crunch and cheesy taste that elevates these chicken nuggets beyond ordinary.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Coat each chicken cube first in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture until well coated. Placing coated pieces on a sheet pan keeps them neat and ready for cooking.

Step 6: Arrange and Cook in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your nuggets in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of nuggets gently with more cooking spray. Cook for 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through and spraying any dry spots to maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once cooked to a perfect golden brown and crispy texture, your homemade chicken nuggets are ready to be enjoyed. The whole process takes just minutes but yields spectacularly tasty results that rival any takeout favorite.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

A group of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces with a rough, crunchy texture is piled in a white bowl lined with light brown parchment paper. The chicken pieces have an irregular shape and are sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, adding touch of color. The white marbled surface is softly visible around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of green and freshness, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can boost the flavor right before serving. For a touch of zest, a squeeze of lemon over the hot nuggets brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Creamy coleslaw brings crunch and tang; crispy air fried fries double down on that golden crisp; and a simple garden salad keeps things light and fresh. Don’t forget your dipping sauce favorites like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ to complete this irresistible meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve your Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe on a fun platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces arranged around them. Or, thread nuggets onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper and cherry tomatoes for a playful, party-friendly presentation. No matter how you serve them, these nuggets are destined to be the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them an excellent option for quick lunches or snacks. Keep them in a single layer when possible to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

To save time later, you can freeze cooked nuggets. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. This ensures they don’t stick together and reheat evenly.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their crispy texture much better than microwaving and keeps the chicken juicy inside.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and stay juicy, though the texture will be a bit different. Just cut them into similar sized pieces to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Is panko necessary, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs give the best light crunch due to their coarse texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work but often yield a denser, less crispy coating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour and regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, and check that your seasonings are gluten-free. The air frying method remains the same for delicious results.

Can I bake these nuggets instead of air frying?

You can bake the coated nuggets at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still tasty and slightly healthier than deep-frying.

What dipping sauces pair best with these chicken nuggets?

Classic choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment to find your family’s favorite pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep-frying. It’s quick, accessible, and absolutely delicious—a perfect addition to your homemade meal rotation. Give it a try, and I promise these nuggets will become an instant favorite for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike!