Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier nuggets. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.

My breading isn't sticking well. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure your chicken is completely coated in melted butter before dipping in the breading mixture. Additionally, pressing the breading gently onto the chicken helps it adhere better. If you're still having trouble, try chilling the breaded nuggets for 15 minutes before air frying.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy but will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until golden and cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breading mixture for a cheese-like flavor.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Say goodbye to store-bought frozen nuggets! These homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious that the whole family will love. The combination of parmesan and herbs creates nuggets that are miles above anything you’d find in the freezer section!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without Deep Frying: These nuggets get incredibly crispy in the air fryer without the mess and extra calories of deep frying.
Kid and Adult-Approved: The flavor profile is sophisticated enough for adults but familiar enough that kids will gobble them up.
Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have restaurant-quality nuggets on the table in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even toss them into salads for a protein boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our nuggets, providing lean protein. Make sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Panko Bread Crumbs: The secret to that amazing crunch! Panko creates a lighter, airier coating than regular bread crumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and helps create a golden crust. Always use freshly grated for the best flavor.
Dried Basil and Oregano: These Italian herbs infuse the nuggets with flavor. They’re much more interesting than the plain salt and pepper coating on store-bought versions.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Butter: Creates the rich flavor base and helps the breading adhere to the chicken. The slight nutty taste of melted butter elevates these nuggets beyond the ordinary.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the panko with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed Rice Chex cereal.

Ranch Flavored

Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the bread crumb mixture for a tangy twist.

Garlic Parmesan

Add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder to the breading and double the parmesan for intense flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Coating

In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the herbs and cheese.

Step 3: Butter Bath

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second increments until completely liquid. Take each chicken piece and dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Bread the Nuggets

Transfer the butter-coated chicken to the bread crumb mixture. Press gently on all sides to help the coating adhere well. Place the coated pieces on a plate while you finish the batch.

Step 5: Preheat and Cook

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Cook for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents proper air circulation and results in less crispy nuggets.
Spray with Oil: For extra crispy results, lightly spray the coated nuggets with olive oil or cooking spray just before air frying.
Check Early: All air fryers are different, so check on your nuggets a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure chicken is safely cooked is to use a meat thermometer to verify it’s reached 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces

These nuggets pair beautifully with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a homemade garlic aioli.

Complete the Meal

Serve alongside air fryer sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Kid-Friendly Option

Create a fun nugget bar with different dipping sauces and let kids choose their favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These nuggets freeze beautifully! Place cooled nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also use a conventional oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, but avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier nuggets. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.
My breading isn’t sticking well. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure your chicken is completely coated in melted butter before dipping in the breading mixture. Additionally, pressing the breading gently onto the chicken helps it adhere better. If you’re still having trouble, try chilling the breaded nuggets for 15 minutes before air frying.
Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until golden and cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breading mixture for a cheese-like flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets transform a simple weeknight dinner into something special without any fuss. They’re proof that homemade is always better than store-bought, especially when it’s this easy! The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give this recipe a try – I’m confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation!