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4.9 from 27 votes

Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe)

Tender, juicy and crunchy homemade chicken nuggets that are cooked in the air fryer!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 433 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into nugget size pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp ground pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 4 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ c. buttermilk
  • 4 egg whites whisked till slightly frothy
  • 3 c. panko or breadcrumbs herb or other
  • Cooking spray or olive oil in a spritzer optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim chicken of any fat and cut into nugget size pieces.
  2. In a small bowl or ziplock bag combine the spices, cornstarch and flour.
  3. In a separate bowl or bag combine buttermilk and egg whites and whisk to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl or bag add the panko or breadcrumbs.
  5. Add a few chicken pieces to the flour mixture and coat.
  6. Remove chicken and place in the milk, making sure to cover well.
  7. Remove and place in the panko.
  8. Place in the air fryer basket, making sure not to touch the pieces.
  9. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket making sure to leave room between pieces. SPray the top of the chicken with nonstick spray or olive oil.
  10. Place the basket in the air fryer and set for 325° and cook for 5 minutes.
  11. Turn the pieces over after 5 minutes and respray with oil. Return the basket and cook for an addition 5 minutes.
  12. Check for doneness in the fattest nugget. If the internal temperature is not 165 degrees F, cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  13. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the cornstarch in the breading! It absorbs a lot of moisture which helps make the breading really crispy.
  • For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain ones or amp up the flavor with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • To make the breading process go faster, you can place the flour mixture into a large ziplock back, the milk mixture in another, and the panko in another bag. Place enough pieces for one air fryer basket into the flour mixture. Close the bag shake, then remove and place in the milk mixture, using a slotted spoon, remove from the milk mixture and place in the panko. This is faster than hand-dipping them.
  • Don’t pile the nuggets in the basket – always cook them in an even layer so they get crispy all over.
  • Make sure the meat is cooked through! The easiest way to know if it’s done is to check the biggest piece with a thermometer – it should be 165°F. Or, just slice it in half – it should be cooked through with clear juices.
  • Leftovers will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. Or, you can freeze them for up to two months.

Nutrition Information

Calories 433kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 61g (20%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 64mg (21%) Sodium 827mg (34%) Potassium 622mg (18%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1181IU (24%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 135mg (14%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 433

% Daily Value*

Calories 433kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Sodium 827mg 34%
Potassium 622mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1181IU 24%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 135mg 14%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.