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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Dinner / Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

    Published: Jan 1, 2018 · Modified: Feb 22, 2023 by Anna 74 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a healthier option for a kid-friendly dinner! Easy homemade chicken nuggets, breaded and baked in an air fryer.

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe - healthier option for a kid-friendly dinner! Easy homemade chicken nuggets, breaded and baked in an air fryer.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients:
    • How to bake chicken nuggets in the air fryer?
    • Expert Tips!
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • More air fryer recipes:
    • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    If your plan for the new year is to eat healthier or find ways to make your favorite dishes lighter, I have a recipe just for you. Chicken nuggets baked to perfection in the air fryer are my new favorite way to make them! Fresh chicken breast, cut into nuggets, seasoned, dipped in melted butter, and then in breadcrumbs and baked for 9 minutes in the air fryer without any oil is bound to be a hit with kids and adults!

    This healthier Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets option is great to make ahead too! Simply make a double batch and freeze half once completely cooled. Then use as you would with store-bought nuggets. So easy!

    I serve these nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries and Instant Pot Mac and Cheese for a kid-friendly dinner.

    Ingredients:

    • chicken: boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces;
    • butter: keeps the nuggets juicy and helps the breading stick to the meat;
    • bread crumbs: plain or Italian, use panko if you want the nuggets to be extra crispy;
    • seasoning: keep it simple with salt and pepper, but you can also add paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, etc;
    • Parmesan: adds great toasted cheese flavor to the chicken.

    How to bake chicken nuggets in the air fryer?

    Making chicken nuggets at home is very easy.

    • Trim any fat from chicken breast. Slice into ½ inch thick slices, then each slice into 2 to 3 nuggets.
    • Melt butter in a small bowl and place breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 4 minutes.
    • Season chicken pieces, then dip each one in butter and then in breadcrumbs.
    • Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Bake for 7 minutes.

    Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables and dipping sauce or fruit salad and yogurt.

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe - healthier option for a kid-friendly dinner! Easy homemade chicken nuggets, breaded and baked in an air fryer.

    Expert Tips!

    • Try adding various spices to the breading: cayenne pepper for a spicy version, taco or fajita seasoning for a Mexican twist;
    • Do not overcrowd the air fryer - allow space between the chicken nuggets so the air can circulate properly;
    • Add panko for extra crispy nuggets!
    • Keep the nuggets roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

    Recipe FAQs:

    How many chicken nuggets does this recipe make?

    Two chicken breast makes about 42 nuggets which are comparable to the amount you get in a bag in the store.

    Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?

    Absolutely! You can cook the nuggets, then cool them completely and freeze them for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-friendly container or a bag.

    How to store and reheat leftovers?

    Any leftovers should be stored in the fridge, for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the nuggets into the air fryer set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer set to 3 minutes.

    How long does it take to bake chicken nuggets in the air fryer?

    The chicken nuggets bake for 8 minutes in the air fryer.

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe - healthier option for a kid-friendly dinner! Easy homemade chicken nuggets, breaded and baked in an air fryer.

    More air fryer recipes:

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      Air Fryer Chicken Breast
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    If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

    Author: Anna
    Healthier option for a kid-friendly dinner! Easy homemade chicken nuggets, breaded and baked in an air fryer.
    4.95 from 37 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 18 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 364 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • ½ cup breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat air fryer to 390° Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
    • Trim any fat from chicken breast, Slice into ½ inch thick slices, then each slice into 2 to 3 nuggets. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
    • Place melted butter in a small bowl and breadcrumbs ( with Parmesan, if using ) in another small bowl.
    • Dip each piece of chicken in butter, then breadcrumbs.
    • Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake in two batches or more.
    • Set timer to 8 minutes.
    • When done, check if the internal temperature of chicken nuggets is at least 165° F. Remove nuggets from basket with tongs and set onto a plate to cool.

    Notes

    • Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables or fruit salad and yogurt.
    • This recipe makes about 21 chicken nuggets from one chicken breast. You can double and use two chicken breast and make 42 nuggets, which is comparable to the amount you get in a bag in a grocery store.
    • You can use plain breadcrumbs, however I prefer Italian style.
    • The amount of calories does not include Parmesan cheese, which is optional. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcal
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Holly says

      July 31, 2023 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      I needed a recipe when I realized the chicken I'd been buying for my kids was full of sugar. So glad I found this recipe, and its so simple and easy my kids could help, and they loved it! We dipped it in homemade honey mustard!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 08, 2023 at 11:43 pm

        That's wonderful! I'm so glad it's helpful and your kids enjoy it! Thank you, Holly!

        Reply
    2. Dylan says

      March 01, 2023 at 9:53 pm

      5 stars
      tasted great

      Reply
    3. Holly says

      September 05, 2022 at 2:44 pm

      I have a question? Once these are cooked. Has anyone tried to freeze them?? How did they do?

      Reply
    4. LibbyMellies says

      August 02, 2022 at 3:48 pm

      Thanks for sharing. They were a big hit, I added dry ranch dressing to a second batch and that was a hit too.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 03, 2022 at 10:22 pm

        That sounds delicious! Thank you, Libby!

        Reply
    5. Lauren says

      July 16, 2022 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      These are the absolute best air fryer chicken nuggets I have had! Only change we made was seasoned salt instead of regular salt. My husband is a chicken nugget fanatic and he rated these the best homemade chicken nuggets ever!!! I’m sure it will be our new go to recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Anna says

      April 15, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      Just made this recipe. Really good! I added some garlic powder, onion powder and parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs. Paired it with a copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe. Everyone really like it.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 10, 2022 at 9:40 pm

        Fantastic! Thank you for making my recipe, Anna!

        Reply
    7. Jenna says

      January 13, 2022 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      Have made multiple times.. love, love, LOVE. I have been using a little extra parm and have found imo you can’t possibly use too much lol I also usually flip and cook for 2-3 mins to make sure the bottom is crispy too
      Overall - 100000/10 recommend 🤤🤤

      Reply
      • Linda says

        February 03, 2022 at 6:08 pm

        Do you know if they’re good the next day after cooking them?

        Reply
        • Anna says

          February 06, 2022 at 12:01 am

          They sure are! You can reheat them right in the air fryer.

          Reply
    8. Brenda says

      November 16, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      Great air fryer nugget recipe…So quick and easy! My husband is not a fan of chicken but really liked these.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 20, 2021 at 10:28 pm

        I am so glad the nuggets were a hit, Brenda! Thank you for making my recipe!

        Reply
    9. Beck says

      November 12, 2021 at 5:06 am

      5 stars
      Made this for lunch, absolutely delicious! Simple and easy to bake. My husband devoured 3 so I knew he enjoyed it!

      Reply
    10. Ken says

      August 07, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      Most excellent meal. I will confess to being a bit dubious about the cook time, but they were crispy yet moist 2 thumbs up!!

      Reply
    11. William says

      July 27, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      I made them for tonight's dinner but substituted with seasoned salt, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and pecorino romano (it was I had on hand). Delicious! This recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
    12. Jacklin Hill says

      July 16, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      Hi! I have had the worst luck making fresh nuggets in the air fryer.
      I'm hoping this one works for me. Do you spray the nuggest with oil before air frying? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 18, 2021 at 10:47 pm

        Hi Jacklin! I do not spray them with oil because they are dipped in butter. I hope you will get a chance to try this recipe! Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    13. Michael says

      July 01, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for my wife it was unbelievable very easy to make and The Taste was out of this world thank you so much

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 02, 2021 at 11:43 pm

        That's wonderful! Thank you so much for making my recipe, Michael!

        Reply
    14. Pamela Crane says

      June 13, 2021 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      These were so good and so easy. Kids and grandpa loved them. I am trying to teach my grandson how to cook some things and these are simple enough for him to make. I used chicken thighs and experimented with both bread crumbs and cracker crumbs. We ended up combining the two because both were good. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
    15. Jen says

      May 11, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is so underrated (because there's only a few reviews)!!! I found this recipe because I wanted to make air fryer nuggets with items I already had in the house and WOW. Super Easy. I have an Ninja Air Fryer Oven and I just added 2 more minutes to the 8 minutes. Super easy and great if you're counting calories. I will definitely be making this again! Also, I agree. Use Italian breadcrumbs for sure.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 11, 2021 at 6:08 pm

        Thank you so much, Jen! I am so glad the chicken nuggets were a success!

        Reply
    16. David Hearst says

      April 14, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome Recipe!! Although I would cook it for 9 or 10 minutes instead of 8.

      Reply
    17. Lisa P LaGrou says

      February 25, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      Can you make these in the oven on the Air Fryer setting? If so, how long would I cook them for? And, is it ok if I don't have a wire basket...and just use a cookie sheet?

      Reply
      • Elise says

        March 26, 2021 at 7:07 pm

        my dad recently got an oven with an air fryer setting as well.... He tried a few things with it (without a basket) and said they didnt seem to come out right so he bought a basket on Amazon and tried the same recipes I over again and said they came out great. A basket may be worth looking into at least

        Reply
    18. Lynda Wells says

      December 31, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      We are making these right now

      Reply
      • Anna says

        January 01, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        I hope you love them, Lynda!

        Reply
    19. Angelica says

      October 13, 2020 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      This was the most delicious, easy recipe ever! The key is dipping the chicken nuggets in butter! This will be a recipe I share forever!

      Reply
    20. Vonda says

      September 17, 2020 at 9:40 pm

      Can you use pork rinds instead of panko breading I’m low carb Italian flavor pork rinds

      Reply
    21. Nikki says

      August 22, 2020 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Best and easiest air fryer chicken nugget recipe hands down!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 31, 2020 at 10:01 pm

        Yay! Thank you so much, Nikki!

        Reply
    22. Diana says

      August 03, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good and easy. There is no way to go wrong. They good good with buffalo sauce and canes sauce. The nuggets are everything you want in a chicken nugget. So good! Highly recommend.

      Reply
    23. Mary says

      May 28, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I loved these! Added a dash of Cajun seasoning to the bread crumbs. DEFINITELY will make again!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 28, 2020 at 5:38 pm

        Thank you so much, Mary! I am so glad the nuggets were a hit!

        Reply
    24. Sabrina says

      May 22, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      Do I have to use butter?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 23, 2020 at 10:47 pm

        Hi Sabrina! The butter helps the breading stick to the nuggets and baked them nice, crispy and browned. Hope this helps!

        Reply
        • calla r stevens says

          June 16, 2020 at 12:55 pm

          you can use an egg or egg whites.

          Reply
    25. Lauren says

      April 30, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Is the whole recipe 364 cals in total or per serving? Either way, so yummy, my friends loved them too. I cannot wait to make them again? Thanks for the awesome recipe Anna!

      Reply
    26. Neil B says

      March 22, 2020 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Thank you much for sharing this recipe! By far the best (and super easy) air fryer chicken recipe I’ve tried. My wife still talks about them. I can’t wait to make them again 🙂

      Reply
    27. Esmeralda says

      October 09, 2019 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      Recipe was so good. The chicken nuggets came out so tasty. I tweaked it a little bit by adding garlic powder, and I used Ritz crackers instead of ordinary breadcrumbs. Delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Susan says

        March 10, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        I love the idea of Ritz. Thanks for sharing that. trying next time.

        Reply
        • Elise says

          March 26, 2021 at 7:10 pm

          Crushed up pretzels (smash with rolling pin or processor)are great for air fryer nuggets as well. I like to use the Snyder's honey mustard pretzels ---so good!!

          Reply
      • Diana says

        August 03, 2020 at 2:46 pm

        You can also soak the nuggets in pickle juice for 30 minutes.

        Reply
        • teresa simmons says

          January 07, 2021 at 9:23 pm

          Interesting I love pickle juice

          Reply
    28. Karen says

      July 19, 2019 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I made these for my husband and grandson. They were a hit. I substituted gluten free bread crumbs, since I am gluten intolerant and they came out crispy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 22, 2019 at 12:28 pm

        Thank you so much, Karen! I am so glad the nuggets were a hit!

        Reply
    29. Manuela Pearson says

      July 06, 2019 at 9:11 am

      ... can these chicken nuggets be frozen and for how long? If frozen how long should one bake them if they are already baked through?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 06, 2019 at 9:17 pm

        Hi Manuela! If you want to freeze already cooked nuggets, cool them completely and place on a sheet pan to freeze. Then place in a ziploc bag. That way they won't stick together. They should be good in the freezer for up to 1 month. Do not thaw, but place them in Air Fryer and bake for 8 to 9 minutes or for 19 to 20 minutes in the oven. Check one to make sure they are heated through. I hope this helps!

        Reply
    30. Sharon says

      March 30, 2019 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out nicely. One hiccup though: my chicken was very cold when I put it in the melted butter, which then solidified it. I had to fight with using the defrost on the microwave to re-melt the butter so it wasn't big chunks attached to the chicken. Next time I will let the chicken sit out on the counter to warm up some.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 31, 2019 at 12:13 pm

        Hi Sharon! I've done that too in the past. It's always better to take it out from the fridge and let it warm up a bit. I am so glad you tried my recipe and it was a success! Thank you!

        Reply
      • Melissa Bidwell says

        February 06, 2020 at 12:24 pm

        After reading your comment about the butter getting cold from the chicken I started thinking, why couldn’t we just melt the butter in a small pot on the stove and keep it on a low heat so that it stays melted. Instead of having to keep reheating it in the microwave. Just a thought.

        Reply
    31. Gwen says

      March 17, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      I buy a lot of microwave frozen foods, chicken nuggets, fries, popcorn chicken, my air fryer has the pot with the turner that goes around inside the pot to keep the stuff moving, how long should I cook the chicken nuggets, fries?

      Reply
    32. Judy Grimes says

      January 03, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      I just got a air fryer for christmas. Can I use self rising flour to cook homademade chicken tenders in air fryer? I am new at the air fryer cook.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 04, 2019 at 4:35 pm

        Hi Judy! I did not test this recipe with self-rising flour so I am not sure how it will affect the nuggets.

        Reply
    33. Karen says

      November 30, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      It would be helpful if you included the carbohydrate count we are diabetic and have to count carbs, I am getting an air fryer for Christmas and cannot wait to use it

      Reply
    34. Judy Bower says

      July 28, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      I have question. I'm new to this airfryer thing. Do I need to spray the nuggets with oil before cooking? I made the mistake of not spraying oil on my wings before cooking and they didn't brown at all.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 29, 2018 at 1:08 pm

        Hi Judy! Thank you for the question. Since you are dipping each chicken nugget in butter while breading, there is no need for oil spray. I hope this helps! Let me know if you give these a try!

        Reply
    35. Linda Hawkins says

      April 21, 2018 at 3:55 pm

      I’m getting an air fryer for Mother’s Day. Please post more receipts. I ate a burrito that was cooked by an Airfyrer and it convinced me. No more rolling them in parchment paper and the ends still be tuff. I had used my microwave. Goodbye Microwave hello Air Fryer!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        April 22, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        Hi Linda! I would be happy to share more Air Fryer recipes! Thank you for the request!

        Reply
    36. Katie Leslove says

      April 11, 2018 at 12:03 am

      5 stars
      I should have an air fryer. Thanks for sharing, love this recipe.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        April 15, 2018 at 11:50 am

        You are welcome, Katie!

        Reply
    37. Rebecca T. says

      February 03, 2018 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      Just curious, why would you set the timer for 4 minutes when you heat it up and then bake them for 8? why not set the timer for 8 to begin with? But going to try this. They look amazing. My favorite food in the air fryer is a baked potato

      Reply
      • Shannon says

        April 17, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        5 stars
        Kind of like preheating an oven (so it’s up to temperature to cook consistently)

        Reply
    38. Maggie Unzueta says

      January 17, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      I never knew you could make them in an air fryer. This is brilliant! My son might just love me more. LOL.

      Reply
    39. Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling says

      January 05, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      I NEED AN AIR FRYER!!!

      Reply
    40. Catalina says

      January 05, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      My kid loves chicken nuggets! And this recipe is exactly what I was looking for!

      Reply
    41. Amanda says

      January 04, 2018 at 8:55 pm

      I need to pick up an air fryer because those look seriously crispy!!

      Reply
    42. Valerie | Valerie's Kitchen says

      January 04, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      I don't have an air fryer but I'm so interested now! These look so good!

      Reply
    43. Demeter says

      January 04, 2018 at 5:57 pm

      Homemade is so much better! I need to check out these air fryers!

      Reply
    44. Jen says

      January 04, 2018 at 5:56 pm

      We go through a ton of nuggets in our house. This is perfect for us!

      Reply
      • ken says

        March 23, 2018 at 10:37 am

        i just bought a air fryer 2 days ago we started with a bag of potato wedges and then chicken nuggets. we thn tried bonless cut in half yummy the air fryer works great you all have go go out and buy a air fryer ot saves on your gas bill i love my air fryer thank you all.

        Reply
    45. Louise says

      January 01, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      I am so excited for this recipe! Just got the air fryer for Christmas! Perfect timing! 😀

      Reply

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