Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These air fryer chicken nuggets are perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, while the chicken remains juicy on the inside. These chicken nuggets are not just for the kids, adults will love them as well! Serve them up with your favourite dipping sauce and you have a delicious homemade lunch or dinner that’s much healthier than takeaway.

Course Light Lunch

Cuisine Australian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 327kcal

Author Sally

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

500 grams chicken breast approximately 2 chicken breasts
½ cup plain flour
Salt and pepper
2 eggs
2 tablespoons dairy free milk
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or vegetable oil spray

Instructions

Cut the chicken breasts into 1 cm thick slices, resembling nugget shape and size.
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or ziplock bag with the plain flour. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to evenly coat.
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and dairy free milk. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Dip each piece of floured chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick. Place the coated nuggets on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Arrange the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
Enjoy immediately while crispy, with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce!

Notes

Don’t skip preheating the air fryer! This helps food cook more evenly and get that golden, crispy texture right from the start. Some air fryers have a built-in preheat setting, but if yours doesn’t, just set it to the cooking temperature and let it run empty for a few minutes.

Nutrition