Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

My kids love chicken nuggets and I was determined to find an easy way to make them at home. They can be picky so when they deemed this recipe a hit, I knew I had a winner. The secret to the crispy outside is the breadcrumbs. Air fryer recipes make dinnertime a breeze.

Your kids might also like Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Meatloaf, Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, or Air Fryer Hot Dogs.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love using our air fryer for heating frozen foods and leftovers. But these chicken nuggets come out the perfect crispy texture and a juicy center. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids or a after school snack.

The nuggets can be seasoned in many ways for a crowd pleasing recipe.

If you are looking for a new air fryer, check out 5 Best Cheap Air Fryers of 2024.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to use chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs.
• Italian Seasoning – If you are out, check out these Best Italian Seasoning Substitute

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

Air fryer chicken tenders make the best chicken nuggets and you can use different types of seasoning that you prefer. Here are some delicious additions or substitutions.

• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Marinate in Pickle Juice – Check out this easy recipe – Chicken Pickle Juice Marinade
• Gluten-Free Flour – Substitute for the panko bread crumbs

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

• Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Now, some air fryers do not have an option to preheat. If yours does not, just set the air fryer to 390 degrees F and run for 5 minutes.

Step 2 – Trim the chicken and make sure the fat is cut off. Dice it into pieces that are about 1 inch.

Step 3 – Get a small bowl and combine the Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.

Step 4 – Once that breadcrumb mixture is combined, melt the butter in a separate bowl. I like to use shallow bowls for both the panko breadcrumbs mixture and the butter. It makes it easier to dip and coat each piece of chicken.

Step 5 – Dip the diced chicken in the butter and then dip in the panko parmesan breadcrumbs.

Step 6 – Now, it is time for the breaded chicken to go in the air fryer. Place chicken in air fryer basket.

Step 7 – Step 7 – The crispy chicken bites needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This normally takes about 10-12 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Cooking Time – Make sure the chicken is in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the chicken in multiple batches. This will vary with the amount of chicken nuggets you are cooking.
• Prepare Chicken – When preparing chicken, make sure to cut them about the same size. This helps to evenly cook the chicken about the same time.
• Meat Thermometer – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.

Serving Ideas

These chicken tender are even better served with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Ketchup – Homemade ketchup is easy.
• Barbecue sauce – I love this homemade bbq sauce.
• Ranch – Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Chick-Fil-A Polynesian Sauce Recipe

You can also take these in school lunches. How to keep Chicken Nuggets warm in School Lunches.

The Best Side Dishes

We keep the side dish options just as quick and easy as the main dish. These are some of our favorite, but you can serve what you prefer.

• Air Fryer Tator Tots Recipe
• Oven baked sweet potato fries
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Parmesan Pasta – Easy 2 Ingredient Side Dish
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Macaroni and Cheese