Description
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are juicy on the inside with a crunchy golden crust on the outside – all without deep frying! Made with simple ingredients, they’re a healthier and tastier alternative to frozen nuggets and perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacking.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces
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1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute)
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
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3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
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Prep the coating: In another bowl, mix panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
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Remove chicken from marinade and coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to stick.
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Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
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Let rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
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For extra crispiness, use only panko breadcrumbs.
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Want them spicy? Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
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These freeze great! Freeze uncooked nuggets, then air fry straight from frozen at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.