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

Description

Crispy, golden, and flavorful, these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets. Made with tender chicken breast, coated in a delicious parmesan-herb crust, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these nuggets are perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a kid-friendly meal!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Coating

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt

Chicken & Butter

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 cup salted butter, melted

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Cube the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces, approximately 1-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to coat.
Create the Coating Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine the flavors evenly.
Melt the Butter & Coat the Chicken
Melt the salted butter in the microwave in 15-second increments, ensuring it doesn’t overheat. Dip each chicken cube into the melted butter, making sure to coat all sides. Then, transfer the butter-coated chicken to the breading mixture. Press gently to coat all sides with the seasoned bread crumbs.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for several minutes, ensuring it’s hot and ready to cook the nuggets evenly.
Arrange and Cook the Nuggets
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing space between each piece for proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–9 minutes, turning the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken nuggets warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy their crispy goodness!

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray before air frying.
If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
These nuggets pair wonderfully with homemade honey mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.
To save time, you can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Always flip the nuggets during cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 290
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 90mg