Air fryer ground chicken nuggets are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them a healthier homemade alternative to fast-food nuggets. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- Olive oil spray
For coating:
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
How To Make Air Fryer Ground Chicken Nuggets
- Mix the chicken: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Shape nuggets: Scoop small portions (about 1 tbsp each) and shape into nugget-sized pieces with your hands.
- Coat: Dredge each nugget in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Air fry: Place nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Spray with olive oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
You Must Know
- Ground chicken makes nuggets tender but can be sticky—wet your hands lightly with water when shaping.
- For best crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- You can make them smaller for kids or larger for adults.
Topping Variations
- Cheesy Nuggets: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the mix.
- Spicy Nuggets: Mix in cayenne or chili flakes.
- Herb Nuggets: Add oregano, thyme, or basil to the chicken mixture.
- Asian Twist: Add soy sauce, ginger, and green onions.
Make It A Meal
Pair your air fryer chicken nuggets with:
- Sweet potato fries or air fryer potato wedges.
- A fresh garden salad.
- Coleslaw for crunch.
- Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or buffalo sauce.
Pro Tips
- Chill shaped nuggets in the fridge for 15 minutes before air frying to help them hold shape.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest texture.
- Lightly spray the nuggets with oil for a golden finish.
- Double the batch and freeze for a quick snack later.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and coat them, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Q: Can I freeze ground chicken nuggets?
Absolutely—freeze before air frying on a tray, then store in a bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cooking time.
Q: How do I know they’re cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be as crispy as air-fried.
Air Fryer Ground Chicken Nuggets
These super delicious homemade ground chicken nuggets are so tempting – crispy outside and tender inside. Make them in the oven or Air Fryer for healthy appetizers or snacks or to serve as a side. These are way better than restaurant ones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
- Category: Appetizer,Side Dish,Snack
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2–3 small garlic cloves finely minced
- 3 tablespoon finely chopped parsley divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- salt
- tablespoon cooking oil use oil spray
Instructions
Making nuggets
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with minced garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt; mix well.
-
In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with parsley, black pepper, and salt; mix well.
-
Scoop out 1 tablespoon ground chicken and drop it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and gently tap to form flat nuggets. Flip it a few times in the breadcrumbs for even coating.
Air Fryer nuggets
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Preheat the Air Fryer to 360F.
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Place breaded nuggets on the Air Fryer basket and cook them for 10-12 mins or until they get the desired color and texture.
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Keep checking every minute after 9 mins of cooking. There is no need to flip them. They get a nice golden brown color on both sides in the Air Fryer.
Notes
- Optionally, add some parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for enhanced taste. It will also help to develop a nice crust on the nuggets.
- You can skip the broiling step if you want. However, broiling helps to develop a golden brown color on the nuggets. Turn on the oven light and monitor while the nuggets are broiling. If left unattended, they can quickly burn at that high temperature.
- While cooking in the Air Fryer, do not overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook them in batches for better results.
- These nuggets taste amazing and crispy when they are fresh.
