Chicken nuggets are a beloved comfort food, especially for kids, but traditional recipes often involve frying in oil, making them less healthy. The air fryer is a game-changer, allowing you to create crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets with significantly less oil, making them a healthier choice. This air-fried version retains all the juicy goodness of chicken while giving you that satisfying crunch without the guilt. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare!
These air fryer chicken nuggets can be seasoned to your liking, whether you prefer classic flavors like garlic and onion powder or want to spice things up with a touch of cayenne pepper. You can even experiment with different coatings—think panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. The versatility of this recipe makes it a fantastic weeknight meal or a fun snack for parties. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like homemade honey mustard, barbecue, or a tangy yogurt dip, and watch them disappear!
Not only are these nuggets healthier, but they are also quick to make, which is perfect for busy days. You can prepare chicken in advance and freeze them for an easy meal later on. Just pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer, and you’ll have crispy nuggets in no time. This recipe emphasizes the joy of cooking with whole ingredients and encourages you to make nutritious choices without sacrificing flavor.
Healthy Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or whole wheat
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Nuggets: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Video
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt or buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
