Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Tender, juicy chicken wrapped in crispy breadcrumbs with delicious seasonings for the best Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets! Way less oil than regular and less mess.

When we were little kids, my sisters and I would ask and ask for chicken nuggets as a special treat. We didn’t have much money, so it was an occasional treat. Now that I’m older, I find it more affordable and healthier to make my own. Hence, today’s super delicious Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets!

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Today’s chicken nuggets are made in an air fryer with way less oil, scratch ingredients, and delicious results.

Think: crispy exteriors, juicy and tender chicken centers, and the perfect palette for dipping in delicious sauces! (I’m looking at you, chipotle aioli.)

If you’re looking for more yummy treats to pair with these homemade nuggs, be sure to check out my super easy Air Fryer Tater Tots and my ultra fun Crescent Mummy Dogs.

Plate filled with freshly made, hand dipped appetizer recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Ingredients

  • Chicken: we’ll be using skinless chicken breasts, which can easily be picked up at the grocery store all prepared!
  • Buttermilk: a crucial ingredient in making nearly any fried appetizer delicious. See my air fryer onion rings!
  • Flour + Breadcrumbs: by using a combination of these two, we’ll achieve a crisp exterior for the nuggets.
  • Spices: paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper
  • Oil and Cooking spray: we’ll use oil as a kind of glue to keep the breadcrumb coating on the air fryer chicken nuggets, and cooking spray as a way to keep the nuggets crispy.

How to Cook Chicken Nuggets in An Air Fryer

First, we’ll start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken breasts, and then slicing them into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Next, let’s prep our dipping bowls! The first bowl will have buttermilk. The second: salt, flour, paprika, and garlic powder. The third: breadcrumbs and oil stirred together.

Two photos showing how to make chicken nuggets in air fryer - dipping chicken in buttermilk, flour and seasonings to coat

Now, for the fun part: coating the chicken! Dip one piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then the dry seasoned mix, then back to the buttermilk, and finally the breadcrumbs. Coat each piece and tap off excess.

Two photos showing how to make air fryer chicken nuggets - dipping chicken in more buttermilk and breadcrumbs for the final coating

As you finish coating each chicken nugget, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Two photos showing how to cook this recipe - uncooked recipe in the basket, then fully coated and golden.

How Long to Make Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

If needed, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Using cooking spray to coat the nuggets. Cook chicken nuggets in the air fryer for about 8 minutes.

Tools you’ll need

Here are our recommendations for the best air fryers. Enjoy!!

Hand dipping air fryer chicken nuggets into a bowl of ketchup

What Sauces to Dip Chicken Nuggets?

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

  • Use a fork to dredge the chicken nuggets. I like using a big fork to help keep my hands clean, and because the fork helps to shake off excess bits.
  • Change the fork once it gets gunky. Over time, a paste will form on the fork. Toss it and use another.
  • Use a different fork for the breadcrumbs. I know, I’ve been tempted to use the same, but this keeps the breadcrumbs cleaner and yields a crisper result.
  • Spray the chicken nuggets evenly in cooking spray for a crisp exterior.
Close up to show crisp exterior and juicy, tender centers of air fryer chicken nuggets

Want More?

For more delicious recipe ideas, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you’ve tried this recipe, take a pic and tag us on Instagram using #beamingbaker. We can’t wait to see it!

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

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featured image with air fryer chicken nuggets in a basket with salt and seasonings

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets


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Description

Tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a crispy breadcrumbs with delicious seasonings for the best Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets! Way less oil than regular and less mess.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • 16 oz skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Cooking spray

Bowl 1

  • 2/3 cup buttermilk

Bowl 2

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Don’t forget the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt

Bowl 3

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat off chicken and slice into even, 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper onto chicken.
  2. Add buttermilk to a shallow bowl.
  3. In a second bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, flour, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. In a third bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and oil until well blended.
  5. Dip a chicken piece into each bowl to coat, tapping off excess. Start with buttermilk, then the seasoned flour mixture, back into the buttermilk, and finally coating in breadcrumbs.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Working in batches, cook chicken nuggets in a single, spaced-out layer. Coat the air fryer basket in cooking spray. Spritz the nuggets with cooking spray, then halfway through, flip and spritz again. Cook for a total of 8 minutes.

Last Step: If you made this recipe, leave a comment and review. It truly helps our small business keep running and it helps readers like you!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers, Main Dishes
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

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2 Comments

  1. These were easy to make, and according to my husband “so good”!! I have tried so many of your recipes and they are easy to follow and delicious!
    Another hit!!! Thanks!!!