Chicken nuggets in air fryer are super easy to make and much healthier than deep frying them.
They are crunchy on the outside and succulent and well seasoned on the inside.
Whether it is for a game night, a weekend party or just as a snack, these chicken nuggets are a perfect snack for adults and kids alike.
You may also like Crispy Air fryer chicken tenders, Air fryer tandoori chicken recipe, Chicken Tikka Recipe and KFC style chicken drumsticks.
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets really taste good when you make them with chicken breast fillet. I like the lean meat and prefer to keep it whole instead of making a mince.
Marinating the chicken in Greek yogurt and spices helps to make it tender and in turn super moist when cooking.
It is important to use Greek yoghurt or thick Indian curd as we want the marinade to be really thick and not runny.
You could use egg wash but because of the thick marinade, the breading adheres easily and does not need it.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
If you have some frozen chicken nuggets in your freezer then use your Air fryer to make them hot and crispy in no time.
Preheat Air fryer to 200 C or 390 F for 5 minutes. Lay the nuggets in Air fryer basket after brushing the basket with oil.
You don't need to brush the nuggets with oil.
Now Air fry for about 8-10 minutes at 390 F or 200 C. It may vary a bit depending upon the size of your nuggets.
Your frozen chicken nuggets are done in the Air fryer.
Step-by-step Pictures
Cut the chicken breast into 1 inch thickness cubes.
Mix the marinade ingredients together and marinate chicken for 30 minutes in this.
Mix the breading ingredients together.
Now lift out each chicken cube and brush off any dripping marinade.
Dip into the breading till well coated. Keep on the side. Repeat for others.
Pre heat Air fryer at 200 C or 390 F for 5 minutes.
Brush the Air fryer basket with oil. Now lay the breaded chicken nuggets so that they are in a single layer.
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes. Flip in the middle once.
Depending upon the size of your nuggets the time may slightly vary. Watch after 8 minutes.
Once golden brown, take out and serve with your favourite dip or sauce. Enjoy!
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
Chicken Nuggets in Air fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast or 500 g. cut into squares of 1 inch thickness
For marination
For breading
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper or cayenne
- 1 tbsp. parsley chopped
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Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into 1 inch thickness cubes. Mix the marinade ingredients together and marinate chicken for 30 minutes in this.
- Pre heat Air fryer at 200 C or 390 F for 5 minutes.
- Mix the breading ingredients together. Now lift out each chicken cube and brush off any dripping marinade.
- Dip into the breading till well coated. Keep on the side. Repeat for others.
- Brush the Air fryer basket with oil. Now lay the breaded chicken nuggets so that they are in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 10 minutes. Flip in the middle once. Depending upon the size of your nuggets the time may slightly vary. Watch after 8 minutes.
- Once golden brown, take out and serve with your favourite dip or sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- These chicken nuggets are lovely and juicy inside as the marinade has yogurt.
- You can add pepper and cayenne if you like more heat.
- These nuggets cannot be stored as they lose their crispness. Have them hot.
Nutrition
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Damyanti says
Looks appetizing!
Rachna says
Thanks Damyanti
veenaazmanov says
My kids all time favorite snack. Have never tried the Air Fryer version but I need to check on this healthier option and get going for some more crisper Nuggets too.
Rachna says
Do try them, Veena. They are super easy and delicious.
Janelle says
These home made nuggets were are winner with the kids - thank you
Rachna says
Absolutely! Kids just love them.
Caitlyn Erhardt says
My son loved these! I love them that they aren't the frozen ones, and they are simple to make. Thank you!
Rachna says
Yes, i try to make them from scratch because it is pretty simple. Thanks Caitlyn.
Jeannette says
How crusty and so full of texture! Love how these are made and the spices definitely adds a tonne of flavour! Thanks for sharing 😀
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I need to get my air fryer out more. I'll definitely try that marinade and crumb.
Rachna says
Thanks Jacqueline. Yes, I love using my Air fryer daily.
Dal says
Hello. Just want to ask you a question about our Air Fryer. We just bought Gourmia brand from Costco. It is very hard to clean. It is supposed to be non-stick but it isn’t. I always use non-stick spray but the food still sticks to the tray. Would you know what the problem is? Thank you. Dal
Rachna says
Hi, I use Philips and Balzano air fryers. Both have non-stick coatings. They are not tough to clean. All you need to do is soak in warm water and liquid detergent after every cooking. Then clean regularly. You can clean the air fryer coil once every few weeks to remove any caked-in grease. Avoid Pam or other sprays. I generally brush the basket with oil before putting in food or you can use parchment paper below your food to prevent it from sticking and also for easy clean up. Hope this helps.