Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

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Air fried to golden perfection, these chicken nuggets cooked in an air fryer are a classic recipe that is always a hit with kids. They’re juicy, tender, and flavorful on the inside and crispy on the outside.

These nuggets are a tasty, healthier option that you can feel good about feeding your family as they taste just like the restaurant version but uses a fraction of the oil, thanks to the air fryer. They come together quickly and easily with only a few ingredients, and everyone will be asking for seconds. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and my air fryer potato wedges recipe or asparagus fries for a complete meal.

Key Ingredients You Need

Ingredients needed to make air fryer chicken nuggets.

Chicken — I use chicken breasts for these air fryer nuggets, but you can swap for chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand.
Egg — The egg helps bind everything together. You can also use melted butter if you prefer.
Breadcrumbs — You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Parmesan — Don’t skip the parmesan as it gives the nuggets a salty, nutty flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Set of two photos showing chicken cut and coated in flour.

Step 1: Cut the chicken into nugget sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Dip the chicken nuggets into a shallow bowl of flour.

Set of two photos showing the chicken dipped in egg and breading.

Step 3: Dip the chicken nuggets into beaten egg or butter.

Step 4: Dip the chicken nuggets into the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Set of two photos showing the meat sprayed and air fried.

Step 5: Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil and place them on a single layer in the air fryer.

Step 6: Cook for 7 minutes at 400F and flip the nuggets. Cook for another 1 to 3 minutes at 400 F until they are golden. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips For This Recipe

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot air needs to reach all the sides of the nuggets, so they crisp up.
Press the breadcrumbs onto the nuggets to help them adhere well. Doing so helps give the chicken a more even coating.
The key to cooking chicken nuggets in the air fryer perfectly is to ensure all the chicken nuggets are as uniformly as possible. You want them all to cook for the same amount of time.
After dipping the chicken nuggets, shake off any excess egg so the nuggets don’t taste eggy.

A plate of air fryer chicken nuggets with one being dipped into ketchup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

For sure! Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes, you can cook these chicken nuggets in the oven. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and place the chicken nuggets on the rack to mimic an air fryer basket. Bake them in the oven for 14 to 16 minutes at 400F, flipping them halfway through. As the air fryer is smaller than the oven, it will take more time to get the same results in the oven.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the air-fried chicken nuggets cool entirely. Then, transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer to keep them crispy.

Can I freeze them?

You can freeze chicken nuggets after being air-fried. Transfer them to a lined sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.