By Becky Hardin
Published Jan 26, 2023
Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in savory, crispy, crunchy breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection. Simple and easy to make, these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are perfectly tender with the most delicious crispy coating!
What’s in Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets?
Crispy and tender, these air fryer chicken nuggets are quite simply the best! Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and so quick and easy to make, they are the perfect appetizer!
- Chicken: We love to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but thighs will also work.
- Flour: Helps create a batter so that the seasonings stick to the chicken nuggets.
- Milk: Helps create a batter so that the seasonings stick to the chicken nuggets. We like to use whole milk or buttermilk for a bit of tang, but you could use any milk you have on hand, including plant-based milk !
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika season the nuggets. You could use smoked paprika for a smokier taste or hot paprika for spicier nuggets.
- Breadcrumbs: We used traditional plain breadcrumbs for my nuggets. We also tried Panko breadcrumbs, and they worked too! They have a different texture, and we liked the plain breadcrumb texture better.
- Oil: We like to use olive oil to help our nuggets crisp up in the air fryer, but you could use vegetable oil instead. Cooking oil spray also works well here.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
If in a hurry, and you aren’t concerned with how “Pretty” the nuggets look, you can pour the flour over the chicken pieces in a larger bowl and toss until they are covered. It saves a step, but we wanted to make sure all of my pieces were evenly covered.
Variations on Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
These nuggets are so delicious just as they are. If you’ve got adventurous eaters, you can try making spicy nuggets. Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder to the milk and seasonings mixture. To go the extra mile, toss the cooked nuggets in Buffalo sauce for my take on boneless wings!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
- ▢ ½ cup milk
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ▢ 1 cup breadcrumbs (see below for homemade option)
- ▢ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2×2-inch chunks
Video
Instructions
For the Breadcrumbs
- Depending on the size of the bread, you can make your own bread crumbs from about four slices of bread. Place bread in the basket, and set time for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F, flipping over halfway. The air fryer makes the bread very crisp! I put my bread into the food processor, and in just about 30 seconds, I had perfect, fresh breadcrumbs. (Four slices equaled one cup almost exactly.)
For the Chicken Nuggets
- Using a pastry brush, brush half of the oil onto the basket of your air fryer. This will keep the batter from sticking to the basket as it cooks. Set the basket aside. 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Set out 3 small bowls. Add ½ cup of flour to one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup flour, milk, and seasonings. Fill the third bowl with the breadcrumbs. Place the bowls next to each other for easy dipping. 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- From the flour mixture, move the nugget to the milk/seasonings mixture and toss to coat.
- Finally, coat each piece with breadcrumbs and place it into the oiled air fryer basket without stacking.
- Repeat coating for each piece, until all are covered and in the basket (note: don’t crowd the basket. You may need to air fry in batches).
- Brush the nuggets with the remaining oil. Select chicken, make sure the temperature is 380°F, and cook on each side for 7 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy, you can cook an additional minute on each side.
- Serve Immediately.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Becky’s Tips
- If in a hurry, you can pour the flour over the chicken pieces in a larger bowl and toss until covered. It saves a step, but they may not be as evenly coated.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer chicken nuggets are great to serve as an appetizer with your favorite dips (don’t forget the chick-fil-a-sauce ), or as a main with your favorite veggie and potato sides. Try them dipped in fry sauce , homemade ranch , Buffalo sauce , or sweet and sour sauce . Serve them with a side of baked sweet potato fries , shoestring fries , or my personal favorite, bacon cheese fries . Whip up some air fryer broccoli for a complete meal!
How to Make Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer Step by Step
Prep the Air Fryer: Using a pastry brush, brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the basket of your air fryer. This will keep the batter from sticking to the basket as it cooks. Set the basket aside.
Make a Dredging Station: Set out 3 small bowls. Add ½ cup of flour to one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of ground paprika. Fill the third bowl with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Place the bowls next to each other for easy dipping.
Dip the Chicken: Dip 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2×2-inch pieces into the flour.
Toss the Chicken: From the flour mixture, move the nugget to the milk/seasonings mixture and toss to coat.
Bread the Chicken: Finally, coat each piece with breadcrumbs and place it into the oiled air fryer basket without stacking.
Air Fry the Nuggets: Repeat coating for each piece, until all are covered and in the basket (note: don’t crowd the basket. You may need to air fry in batches). Brush the nuggets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Select chicken, make sure the temperature is 380°F, and cook on each side for 7 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy, you can cook an additional minute on each side. Serve immediately.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes, until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze air fryer chicken nuggets in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 250°F for 5-6 minutes, until warmed through.
Hands down, chicken breast is the best cut to use for these nuggets. They stay perfectly juicy and tender. Thighs will take longer to cook, so you run the risk of undercooked chicken or a burnt coating. If you have them, chicken tenders will also work well for this recipe
These nuggets take just about 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer! They make a great last-minute snack for hungry kiddos!
I like to set my air fryer to 380°F. This ensures the nuggets get nice and crispy but don’t burn!
These chicken nuggets are best served as soon as they are made, but you can bread them a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Any leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
- Air Fryer Chicken Thigs
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (see below for homemade option)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2x2-inch chunks
Instructions
For the Breadcrumbs
- Depending on the size of the bread, you can make your own bread crumbs from about four slices of bread. Place bread in the basket, and set time for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F, flipping over halfway. The air fryer makes the bread very crisp! I put my bread into the food processor, and in just about 30 seconds, I had perfect, fresh breadcrumbs. (Four slices equaled one cup almost exactly.)
For the Chicken Nuggets
- Using a pastry brush, brush half of the oil onto the basket of your air fryer. This will keep the batter from sticking to the basket as it cooks. Set the basket aside. 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Set out 3 small bowls. Add ½ cup of flour to one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup flour, milk, and seasonings. Fill the third bowl with the breadcrumbs. Place the bowls next to each other for easy dipping. 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- From the flour mixture, move the nugget to the milk/seasonings mixture and toss to coat.
- Finally, coat each piece with breadcrumbs and place it into the oiled air fryer basket without stacking.
- Repeat coating for each piece, until all are covered and in the basket (note: don’t crowd the basket. You may need to air fry in batches).
- Brush the nuggets with the remaining oil. Select chicken, make sure the temperature is 380°F, and cook on each side for 7 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy, you can cook an additional minute on each side.
- Serve Immediately.
Video
Notes
- If in a hurry, you can pour the flour over the chicken pieces in a larger bowl and toss until covered. It saves a step, but they may not be as evenly coated.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
