Homemade Chicken Nuggets {Easy Air Fryer Recipe}
Crispy, homemade chicken nuggets made with simple ingredients—easy, healthy, and the perfect air fryer recipe for the whole family!
Chicken nuggets are a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner option, or a fun way to cook with your family, this homemade chicken nuggets recipe is the perfect solution. Unlike store-bought or fast food nuggets, these are made with simple ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier alternative without any unnecessary preservatives.
This easy homemade chicken nuggets recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without the need for hot oil, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite snack with fewer calories. The combination of chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper creates an irresistible bite. Plus, the air fryer basket ensures that each piece is cooked evenly to a deep golden brown perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than fried nuggets – No deep frying means you get that crispy texture without the excess oil.
- Made with real ingredients – Unlike fast food options, this homemade chicken nugget recipe contains only simple ingredients like chicken chunks, breadcrumb coating, and seasonings.
- Quick and easy – With just 10-15 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, these easy chicken nuggets are perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep.
- Family-friendly – A great way to get kids involved in cooking while ensuring they eat something nutritious.
- Versatile and customizable – Add some onion powder, dip in honey mustard, or even marinate the chicken pieces in pickle juice for a little kick!
A Breakdown of the Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:
- Chicken breasts – The base of the nuggets, ensuring a lean and protein-packed snack.
- Panko breadcrumbs – These provide a light, crispy coating for the nuggets. Regular bread crumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Red onion – Adds a mild sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Egg – Helps bind the breadcrumb mixture to the ground chicken.
- Cornstarch – A key ingredient that adds crispiness.
- Garlic powder & black pepper – Essential seasonings for that classic nugget taste.
- Olive oil cooking spray or avocado oil – Helps crisp up the nuggets while cooking in the air fryer basket.
How to Make the Recipe
- Prepare the mixture – In a food processor, blend chicken breasts, panko, chopped onion, egg mixture, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Form the nuggets – Using a cookie scooper, take small portions of the meat mixture and shape them into bite-sized pieces. If the mixture is sticky, lightly grease your hands with avocado oil.
- Air fry the nuggets – Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip the nuggets and cook for an additional 5 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce – Pair with honey mustard, bbq sauce, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce for the best flavor!
How to Store the Recipe
- Refrigeration – Store leftover chicken chunks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.
- Freezing – Place cooled nuggets in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at medium heat in the air fryer.
- Reheating – To maintain the crispy texture, avoid microwaving. Instead, heat in the air fryer basket at medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Use cold ingredients – Keeping the chicken cube mixture slightly chilled makes it easier to form nugget shapes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in a single layer for even crisping.
- Experiment with coatings – Try using crushed potato chip or a mix of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Add a marinade – Soaking the pieces of chicken in pickle juice for 10-15 minutes adds a unique tangy flavor.
- For a spicy kick – Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture to create spicy chicken nuggets.
- For deep frying – If you prefer fried food, heat hot oil in a dutch oven, then use a slotted spoon to fry until deep golden brown.
This best homemade chicken nuggets recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic favorite while knowing exactly what goes into each bite. Whether you’re making them for the whole family, prepping for a quick lunch, or trying spicy chicken nuggets for the first time, this easy recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
Pair them with french fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate homemade meal. And don’t forget to try different favorite sauces like bbq sauce and honey mustard for even more flavor. Next time, experiment with different seasonings to create your own twist on the best chicken nuggets ever!
FAQs
Yes! Using ground chicken works just as well in this homemade chicken nuggets recipe. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding more panko breadcrumbs or a little purpose flour.
For best results, reheat the nuggets in the air fryer basket at medium-high heat for a few minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Some favorite sauces include honey mustard, bbq sauce, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce.
Yes! You can freeze uncooked nuggets on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets {Easy Air Fryer Recipe}
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup panko
- 1/2 red onion medium, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine chicken breasts, panko, chopped onion, egg, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scooper, scoop the chicken mixture and use your hands to form into chicken nugget. If your hands are sticky, grease them with avocado oil.
- Once you have formed chicken nuggets, place them into air fryer at 380°F for 10 minutes and then flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!