Chicken Nuggets in the Air Frye

Chicken Nuggets in the Air Frye

Air frying chicken nuggets is a great way to get that crispy texture you love without all the oil used in traditional deep frying. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making homemade chicken nuggets in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Nuggets:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and mild flavor)

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

  • Air fryer
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or any preferred)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

2. Prepare the Breading Station:

  • Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process:
    • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
    • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken:

  • Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, tapping off the excess.
  • Dip next into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
  • Finally, coat well in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere well.

4. Prepare to Air Fry:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires preheating.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coat of cooking spray to help achieve a golden color.

5. Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets:

  • Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then flip the nuggets and spray lightly again with cooking spray if they look dry. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

  • Serve the chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.

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