Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Homemade air fryer chicken nuggets with juicy chicken, a crisp seasoned panko coating, and a simple yogurt-mustard dip.
Cook This Meal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- as needed olive-oil spray
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt for dipping
- 1 tbsp mustard for dipping
Steps
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) if your model recommends preheating. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into even pieces.
- Set out three shallow bowls: flour; beaten egg; and panko mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken piece lightly in flour, then egg, then panko. Press the crumbs on so they adhere.
- Arrange nuggets in one uncrowded layer and mist lightly with oil. Air fry for 9 to 12 minutes, turning halfway; work in batches if needed.
- Check the thickest nuggets with a food thermometer. They must reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Rest 2 minutes.
- Mix yogurt and mustard for dipping. Refrigerate cooked leftovers within 2 hours and reheat until steaming hot.
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Estimated Nutrition
Nutrition estimates are for general cooking guidance only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or condition-specific diet guidance. If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, medications, or a medical condition, check ingredient labels and consult a qualified professional.
Reviewed cooking notes
Why this recipe works
Even pieces finish together
Similar-size chicken pieces reduce the risk of dry small nuggets or undercooked large ones.
Panko creates texture
Pressed-on panko browns and crisps with only a light oil mist.
A thermometer resolves uncertainty
Color is not a reliable doneness test for poultry.
Fix it while cooking
Went wrong, confused, or need help?
Use these quick fixes first. If the issue is still unclear, open Rescue and describe what happened, what step you are on, and what ingredients you already added.
Coating is pale
Mist lightly with oil and cook 1 to 2 minutes longer after doneness is verified.
Coating falls off
Pat chicken dry and press crumbs firmly next time.
Chicken is dry
Serve with dip and shorten the next batch once 165 degrees F is reached.
Round out the meal
What goes well with it?
Quick answers
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Cut evenly and still verify 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Can I freeze them?
Freeze cooked, cooled nuggets promptly; reheat from frozen until steaming hot.
Are cooking times exact?
No. Air fryer power, basket load, and nugget thickness change timing.
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