Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Printer-Friendly)
Golden, crispy chicken chunks air-fried with smoked paprika and panko for quick, tasty bites.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
→ Seasoning and Coating
02 -
2 large eggs
03 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
06 -
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
07 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
3 ounces panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
→ Cooking
09 -
Cooking oil spray
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 10 minutes.
02 -
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks for even cooking; set aside.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt until well combined.
04 -
Dip each chicken chunk into the seasoned egg mixture, then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres.
05 -
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray them with cooking oil.
06 -
Cook the nuggets in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through if possible. Cook in batches if necessary.
07 -
Remove the nuggets using tongs and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Cut chicken uniformly to promote even cooking. Using smoked paprika enhances flavor but can be replaced with regular paprika. Spray with olive oil or a neutral oil for best results. Cook in a single layer to achieve optimal crispiness. Store cooked nuggets refrigerated up to 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months after cooling.