Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Print View)

Golden, juicy chicken nuggets with a crunchy panko crust cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
11 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
12 - ½ teaspoon paprika
13 - ¼ teaspoon salt

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together buttermilk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
02 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, olive oil (or cooking spray), Parmesan cheese if using, paprika, and salt in a shallow dish. Stir until evenly mixed.
03 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
04 - Drain excess marinade from chicken pieces and coat each piece thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Place coated chicken nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding; work in batches if necessary.
06 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove nuggets and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy on the outside and juicy inside without a drop of oil in sight.
  • Kids actually eat these without complaint, which might be the real magic here.
  • You can make a batch in under 12 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel less chaotic.
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating step even if you're in a rush—it's what keeps these from being dry and makes such a difference in the final texture.
  • Overcrowding the basket is the quickest way to end up with soggy spots instead of all-over crispiness, so work in batches if you need to.
03 -
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check them at the 9-minute mark rather than waiting the full 12—ovens vary, and you want golden brown, not burnt.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and skip the Parmesan entirely.
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