These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fast food at home without the guilt – you can freeze them, too!
Perfect for fast weeknight meals, easy lunches, or freezer-friendly snacks, these homemade nuggets are a kid-approved, meal-prep win, surpassing anything store-bought.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthier fast food fave: These nuggets are a healthier version of the fast food favourite. Since you're making them in the air fryer, you're skipping all the oil and cutting down on calories.
- Freezer-friendly: You can make a big batch of these nuggets and freeze them for later. They're great for a quick meal or snack!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work.
- Buttermilk – substitute for one cup of regular milk and one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Breadcrumbs – use panko, cornflakes or rice cereal for the best crunch.
- Parmesan cheese – try using asiago or pecorino romano or leave the cheese out altogether.
- Garlic powder – onion powder would be the best substitute here.
- Paprika – chili powder will provide a similar flavor.
- Cooking spray – like avocado spray or olive oil spray.
How to make chicken nuggets in the air fryer
Step 1: Soak the chicken in buttermilk.
Soak bite-sized chicken pieces for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix together the dry ingredients.
Combine dry ingredients into a small bowl.
Step 3: Bread the chicken.
Shake the excess buttermilk off the chicken pieces, then coat them in the dry mixture.
Step 4: Add to the air fryer.
Add the chicken to the preheated air fryer in one layer.
Step 5: Cook the chicken.
Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Serve with carrots, celery and your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for the best chicken nuggets
Here are some of my top tips for getting the best air fryer chicken nuggets every time:
- Use panko bread crumbs: They have larger and crunchier flakes so you get extra-crispy outsides. Cornflakes or rice cereal will also work well.
- Dredge the chicken: After soaking the chicken in buttermilk, dredge it well before tossing it in the dry mixture.
- Pre-heat the air fryer: Don't skip this step! Preheat the air fryer for 8 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit before cooking the nuggets so they get nice and crispy.
- Cook in a single layer: Make sure to cook the nuggets in just one layer in the air fryer basket. You don't want them to overcrowd each other or they'll get soggy. Cook in two batches if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook chicken nuggets for in the air fryer?
Chicken nuggets are ready in a flash in the air fryer – you just need to cook them for 4 minutes per side (8 minutes total). Make sure you cook them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Can I cook them from frozen?
Yes! You can reheat cooked frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer, you’ll just have to add to the cooking time. Instead of 4 minutes per side, I’d suggest popping them in for 6-7 minutes per side.
Can I make them dairy-free or gluten-free?
There are a few easy swaps that will make these chicken nuggets dairy-free. Just make vegan buttermilk using your favorite plant-based milk and lemon juice, and swap out the parmesan for nutritional yeast. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free panko, cornflakes or rice cereal instead of breadcrumbs.
What's the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common and leanest choice. Chicken thighs also work and will yield juicier nuggets, but they'll have a higher fat content.
What to serve with chicken nuggets
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these nuggets:
- With dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, hot honey or any other dipping sauce of your choice.
- With tater tots (they can also be made in the air fryer!)
- With healthier fries like sweet potato fries, zucchini fries or jicama fries
- With potato salad or cowboy caviar
How to store and reheat
Store: Keep the chicken nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Freeze & reheat from frozen: Lay cooled nuggets on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls to pack up your weekly lunches.
- Meal prep with your freezer! Butcher Box conveniently delivers a variety of meats to your door frozen.
- I own and love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL(this is the biggest size so you can cook your chicken all at once, it's the best size for families).
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
To serve
- Carrots and celery
- Dips of your choice (I used honey mustard, ranch and chipotle mayo)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak chicken in buttermilk for 5 min. Preheat Airfryer for 8 minutes on 400 F.
- Mix breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper together in another large bowl. Drain buttermilk from chicken pieces, then add chicken to breadcrumb mixture then toss well to coat.
- Add chicken to Airfryer once it's done preheating, adding nuggets in a single layer and spraying with cooking spray. Cook for 4 min, then flip and cook another 4 min. You may need to do the chicken in two batches.
- Serve with carrots and celery and your fave dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Jon Weaver says
Made these tonight for my wife and myself, they are amazing. Very similar to Chick-fil-A nuggets. So tender, I’m guessing because of the buttermilk. Marinaded for more like 10-15 minutes as I was getting everything else together. Thanks for sharing this!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!!! 🙂
Amy Hahne says
This tasted soooo good! And was easy too. A perfect recipe! Thanks.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed, Amy 🙂