AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS RECIPE

5 from 1 vote

These easy crispy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are a perfect kid-friendly dinner. Since my kiddos frequently want chicken nuggets, I found a healthier way to enjoy this classic recipe without using heavy oil. This is an excellent option for busy weeknights for the whole family.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 575kcal

Author: Dr. Nena Stefanovic

Ingredients

1 cup bread crumbs plain
¼ tablespoon salt
½ cup flour
½ lb chicken thighs
olive oil spray
¼ cup milk
1 egg

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare 3 empty bowls, and add 1 cup of breadcrumbs in one bowl. Add salt to taste (about ¼ tbsp) to breadcrumbs and mix well.
Add ½ cup flour to the second bowl.
In a third bowl, beat one egg with a fork, and add ¼ cup milk. Mix well.
Wash ½ lb chicken thighs under running water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into approximately 2×1 inch pieces using a knife.
Dip each chicken piece into flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into breadcrumbs. Set chicken pieces into a single layer in the air fryer basket or air fryer tray (spray the empty air fryer tray with olive oil, and then add chicken pieces).
Spray breaded chicken pieces with oil.
Bake in an air fryer at 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for about 20 minutes (check instructions for your air fryer type). Flip the chicken nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even air frying.
Enjoy these crunchy homemade air fry chicken nuggets with your favorite sauce, such as honey mustard, bbq sauce, or ranch dressing.

Video

Notes

The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Plain Breadcrumbs. Many recipes for air fryer chicken nuggets call for Panko breadcrumbs. I typically have plain breadcrumbs in my pantry, which I used in this recipe. But both plain and panko will work well. The main difference between plain or regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs is in the crunchiness of the final air-fried product. Panko breadcrumbs are more flaky and absorb less oil, which leads to crunchier chicken nuggets.
Salt. Add salt directly to the breadcrumbs and mix well. I used Hymalian sea salt in this recipe, but any salt will work well.
Flour. I used regular flour here.
Egg. Beaten with a fork.
Milk. Add regular milk to the bowl with the egg and mix well.
Chicken thighs. I used chicken pieces made from chicken thighs in this recipe to achieve the best results compared with chicken breasts (which can end up drier).
Olive oil spray. Right before air frying, spray breaded chicken pieces with olive oil on both sides.

Nutrition