If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crispy treat that’s quicker and healthier than the takeout version, this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine juicy chicken pieces coated in a golden, Parmesan-packed crust, all made effortlessly in your air fryer — perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Healthier Option: By air frying instead of deep frying, you get that irresistible crispiness with way less oil.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleaser: These nuggets are a hit with kids and adults alike — great for parties or casual family dinners.
Customizable Flavor: The Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs add a savory punch, and you can easily spice it up to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so crispy, flavorful, and comforting. Each component plays a key role: the chicken gives tender protein, the flour helps the coating stick, and the blend of cheeses and seasoned breadcrumbs delivers that signature crunch and taste.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh chicken breast for the best texture — cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a base layer to hold the egg wash, ensuring the coating sticks well.
- Egg and milk: Create a rich, glue-like mixture to hold the breadcrumbs firmly on each nugget.
- Italian seasoned bread crumbs: Infused with herbs, these breadcrumbs add a lively, zesty flavor without any extra effort.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that makes these nuggets truly irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into even 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel — this little step helps the flour adhere better, which is key for that crunchy coating we want.
Step 2: Flour the Chicken
Place the dried chicken pieces in a medium bowl and sprinkle the flour evenly over them. Toss gently so each piece gets a light coat. This flour layer acts like a base for the stickier egg wash to grab onto.
Step 3: Mix Your Wet and Dry Coatings
Whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl, creating a smooth wash. In another bowl, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with the freshly grated Parmesan — this combo will bring all the flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Bread the Nuggets
Dip each floured chicken piece first into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, then roll it thoroughly through the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. This double coverage seals in moisture and guarantees a crisp exterior.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer, leaving a bit of space around each one so the hot air circulates evenly. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip them over, then cook another 4 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to brighten the look and add a pop of freshness that complements the crispy, cheesy nuggets beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, carrot fries, or a crisp side salad to balance the rich flavors. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces — honey mustard, ranch, or a tangy barbecue sauce are all fantastic choices.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving nuggets in mini paper cones or on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of colorful dips. For a fun twist, turn the nuggets into a playful party platter with vibrant veggies and pickles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, you can store your cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for quick snacks or lunches the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, place the uncooked, breaded nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen in your air fryer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover nuggets in the air fryer at 350ºF for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again—this method keeps that irresistible crunch much better than a microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking, and keep an eye on the cooking time as thighs can sometimes cook a bit faster.
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Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese in the breading?
Parmesan cheese adds a delicious nutty flavor and helps create a golden crust, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can simply increase the breadcrumbs or add other grated hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a similar effect.
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How do I ensure the nuggets turn out crispy in the air fryer?
Make sure to spray the air fryer basket lightly and avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate well. Also, flipping halfway through helps achieve even browning and maximum crispiness.
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Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs. The recipe works great with these swaps while keeping the same crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a golden, crunchy, and utterly satisfying snack or meal, this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s cozy, quick, and crowd-pleasing — what’s not to love? So dust off your air fryer and let these nuggets bring some crunchy joy to your day!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets made with tender boneless chicken breast, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite, these nuggets are easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and customizable with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Coating
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks properly.
- Coat with Flour: Place the dried chicken pieces in a medium bowl and sprinkle with all-purpose flour. Toss to evenly coat each piece with flour.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Place the coated nuggets directly onto the greased air fryer basket, ensuring about ¼ to ½ inch space between each nugget for even cooking. Work in batches if necessary based on your air fryer’s size.
- Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the nuggets for 5 minutes. Then, flip each nugget over and air fry for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can easily double or triple this recipe for larger batches.
- The cooked nuggets freeze well and can be reheated later for a quick meal.
- For a spicy twist, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken.
