Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These crispy air fryer chicken nuggets are made with tender chicken breast, seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and simple pantry ingredients. Air frying gives them a golden, crunchy coating with juicy chicken inside. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and ready in about 25 minutes.
Servings 3 people
Calories 260kcal
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Heat-Resistant Silicone Brush (essential for applying oil mist without disturbing breading)
- 1 Mixing Bowls (for coating and seasoning steps)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crisp texture
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
- 2 tsp olive oil used via mist or brush only
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes in a bowl. Coat chicken evenly.
- Dip each piece into beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray or brush with oil using a heat-resistant silicone brush for even crisping.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Arrange nuggets in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Notes
Equipment Note: To get the best 'shatter-crisp' texture, I use the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer. It’s the best for maintaining the single-layer rule mentioned in the tips above.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Based on ~2–3 servings using 1 lb chicken breast, light panko coating, and minimal oil.- Calories: ~220–260 kcal
- Protein: 26–30g
- Fat: 6–8g
- Carbohydrates: 10–14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~0–1g
- Sodium: ~350–450mg