Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets That Kids Will Love

Homemade Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a quick, healthy meal that kids will adore.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 nuggets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Provides a light, crispy coating; don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs for the best texture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a rich, savory flavor; freshly grated cheese makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste, but table salt can be used if needed.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Offers a slight kick; use freshly ground for the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Coats the chicken for a crispy exterior; olive oil can be swapped if desired.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Main protein for the nuggets; for tenderness, feel free to substitute with thighs.
  • 1 can Olive Oil Cooking Spray Optional for extra crispiness; helps achieve a golden brown finish during cooking.
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Sweetener for your dipping sauce; adjust to your taste preferences.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard Provides a tangy accent in the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Adds complexity and depth to the honey mustard sauce.

Equipment

  • air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds.
  4. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, dip into melted butter, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Whisk together honey, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard in a bowl for the dipping sauce.
  7. Serve the nuggets immediately with the honey mustard sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 4nuggetsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep a batch of these nuggets on hand for quick meals that everyone will love.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!