Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a healthier take on a classic favorite, allowing me to indulge in crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets made right in my air fryer without any guilt. Plus, the combination of buttermilk marinade and perfectly seasoned coating makes every bite incredibly tender and delicious, just like something you’d order at a top-notch restaurant!

I adore producing my own air-fryer chicken nuggets because they are so crispy and juicy. I make them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

I soak the chicken in buttermilk, and I season the nuggets with paprika and garlic powder before cooking them in the air fryer. The result is a tender chicken nugget with a crispy, seasoned exterior.

Eating these nuggets is a lot like eating fried chicken, which is my all-time favorite food.

Ingredients

Breast of chicken: full of protein; builds muscle.

Buttermilk: Contributes moisture and tenderness, with a hint of tang.

All-purpose flour: Delivers a crisp coating and serves as the basic carbohydrate component.

Paprika contains a sweet pepper flavor and colors mild dishes beautifully.

Olive Oil: Adding richness and moisture, it is heart-healthy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken cubes and the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Marinade time: at least 30 minutes.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.

3. Take the chicken that has been marinating from the fridge. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

4. Ensure the flour mixture fully coats each piece of chicken. Do this by using a two-step method: first, dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then using your hands, work the mixture onto the chicken, making sure to cover all areas, even the little nooks and crannies. Shake off any excess, and smooth down the coatings onto the chicken so that it lies as flat against the chicken as possible.

5. Coat the chicken pieces lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help ensure they crisp up nicely.

6. The chicken nuggets must be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each one, so that they will cook evenly. Depending on the dimensions of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the nuggets in the basket for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The nuggets should be golden brown and cooked through when you remove them from the air fryer.

8. Verify that it is completely cooked (the internal temperature must hit 165°F or 75°C).

9. Take the chicken nuggets out of the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes.

10. Savor it while it’s hot and pair it with your preferred dipping sauces or sides. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Shallow bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Whisk or fork (for mixing)
6. Tongs or slotted spoon
7. Air fryer
8. Kitchen thermometer
9. Cooking spray or brush (for applying olive oil)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?Q: Is it possible to use regular milk in place of buttermilk?

  Buttermilk can be mimicked with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

• Q: How can I make these nuggets gluten-free?Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for frying.
• Q: Can I prepare these nuggets ahead of time?Q: Can I marinate the chicken in buttermilk and then refrigerate it until I’m ready to cook?

  A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Q: What’s the best dipping sauce for these chicken nuggets?A: Among the favored dressings are honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or a fiery sriracha mayonnaise.
• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Q: Will you provide an equally juicy chicken dish if you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
• Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?A: Ensure that the chicken parts are completely covered in flour, shake off extra flour, and do not place too many parts in the air fryer basket at one time.
• Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?To get even cooking and crispiness, preheating the air fryer is a must. For the next step, take the air fryer and set it to 400°F (about 200°C). Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you put the chicken nuggets in.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup buttermilk: Replace it with 1 cup plain yogurt or a combination of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using in a recipe).
1 cup all-purpose flour: Substitute with 1 cup whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a more healthful or gluten-free cake.
1 teaspoon paprika: Replace with 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt (reduce added salt accordingly).
1 tablespoon olive oil can be replaced with 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer For even juicier and more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for a few hours or overnight. This allows the buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

2. Quality Coating After coating the chicken in the flour mixture, let the coated chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before spraying with oil and air frying. This helps the coating adhere better, resulting in a crispy exterior.

3. Double Dipping For an extra crispy coating, consider dipping the chicken pieces back into the buttermilk after the first flour coating, then into the flour mixture again before applying the cooking spray.

4. Even Cooking To ensure even cooking, shake the basket lightly halfway through the cooking process. This helps the hot air circulate around each piece and prevents them from sticking together.

5. Herb Infusion Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an additional layer of flavor that complements the chicken nicely.