Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: The Ultimate Kid-Favorite Recipe with Extra Crunchy Coating

Nothing beats the satisfaction of watching your kids’ faces light up when you serve them perfectly golden, crispy chicken nuggets. That taste even better than their favorite restaurant version. These air fryer chicken nuggets deliver that coveted crunch without all the oil, making them a win-win for both parents and kids.

What makes these nuggets special is the double-coating technique. That creates an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. The secret lies in using a combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes, creating multiple layers of texture that air fry to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air frying transforms ordinary chicken into extraordinary nuggets with 75% less oil than traditional deep frying. The circulating hot air creates that coveted crispy coating while the chicken stays moist and flavorful. Plus, they cook in just 12 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute lunch requests.

ALSO Check Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

The beauty of homemade nuggets is complete control over ingredients. No mysterious preservatives or artificial flavors – just wholesome chicken, simple seasonings, and a coating that delivers serious crunch factor.

Nutrition Per Servings :

Chicken Nuggets (Kids Favorite)

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate kid-friendly meal – extra crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Made with a double coating of panko and cornflakes, these homemade nuggets cook in just 12 minutes and use far less oil than deep frying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, school lunches, or snack time, they’re healthier, crunchier, and tastier than fast-food nuggets.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken:

• ▢ 1½ Pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Salt 🧂
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Black pepper
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Onion powder

For the Coating Station:

• ▢ 1 cup All-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 Large eggs
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Whole milk
• ▢ 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1 cup Cornflakes Finely crushed
• ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Dried oregano
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional, omit for very young kids
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Salt 🧂
• ▢ Cooking spray

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Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• ▢
  Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for proper coating adhesion. Cut the chicken into uniform nugget-sized pieces, approximately 1½ to 2 inches each. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking. Season the chicken pieces all over with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss gently with your hands to distribute seasoning evenly, then set aside while you prepare the coating station.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station (3 minutes)

• ▢
  Arrange three shallow dishes in assembly-line fashion. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until completely combined – the milk helps create a stickier coating that holds more breadcrumbs. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and salt. Mix the coating thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings and textures.

Step 3: Coat the Nuggets (8 minutes)

• ▢
  Working with one piece at a time, dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides. The key is pressing gently but firmly to help the coating adhere – this creates that extra-crunchy exterior. Place coated nuggets on a clean plate and repeat until all pieces are coated.

  Please Also Check Our Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer (3 minutes)

• ▢
  Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. While it preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is essential for easy removal and prevents the coating from tearing when you flip the nuggets.

Step 5: First Cook Cycle (6 minutes)

• ▢
  Arrange nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops of nuggets lightly with cooking spray – this helps achieve that golden-brown color. Cook for 6 minutes at 400°F.

Step 6: Flip and Finish (6 minutes)

• ▢
  Carefully flip each nugget using tongs, being gentle to preserve the coating. Spray the newly exposed sides with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deep golden brown and crispy. The cornflakes should be beautifully toasted, creating that irresistible crunch.

Step 7: Rest and Serve (2 minutes)

• ▢
  Remove nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the coating to set, ensuring maximum crispiness. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Size Matters: Keep nuggets uniform in size for even cooking. Pieces that are too large may be undercooked inside, while tiny pieces can become overcooked and dry.

 

Don’t Skip the Spray: That light coating of cooking spray is essential for browning and preventing sticking. It’s the difference between pale nuggets and gorgeously golden ones.

 

Batch Cooking: If cooking multiple batches, keep finished nuggets warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches.

 

Double-Check Temperature: Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F, especially with larger pieces.

Also Check Air Fryer Chicken Spring Rolls: Crispy, Healthy, and Bursting with Flavor‍

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal

Keyword High Protein

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Storage and Reheating :

Leftover nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy and heated through. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – reheat from frozen at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions :

These nuggets pair perfectly with honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or classic ketchup. Serve alongside sweet potato fries, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that kids and adults will love.