Description
Crispy and golden Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets made with tender chicken breast cubes coated in a flavorful seasoned flour, egg wash, and a crunchy panko-Parmesan breadcrumb crust. This healthier version uses an air fryer to achieve perfect crispiness with less oil and in just 22 minutes, making it an ideal family-friendly snack or main dish served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (8 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
Coating Ingredients
- 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
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk or whole milk
Breading
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- Cooking spray or oil mister, for spraying
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you begin cooking.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating base.
- Mix the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with buttermilk or whole milk until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Combine the Breading: In a third shallow bowl or container, mix the panko breadcrumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese, adding a savory, cheesy crust to the nuggets.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cube first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the panko-Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to thoroughly coat. Place the coated pieces onto a sheet pan.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil mister. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Nuggets: Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12 minutes in two batches if necessary. At the 6-minute mark, flip the nuggets and spray any dry spots with additional cooking spray to maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Once golden and crispy, serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for best crispiness.
- Spraying the chicken with cooking spray before and during cooking helps achieve a golden crunchy texture.
- Use buttermilk for a richer flavor in the egg wash, or substitute with whole milk if desired.
- Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
