Enjoy these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, made with cubed chicken breast coated in panko breadcrumbs and finished with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. They’re cooked to a perfect golden crisp in the air fryer. Also, try my recipes for Chicken Tenders if you’re craving more crispy chicken treats.
Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance these days, ideal for making healthier versions of your favorite fried foods without sacrificing taste. These chicken nuggets are not only crispy but also loaded with a robust garlic flavor and a refreshing hint of lemon.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, ensuring each nugget is tender and juicy.
Panko: This Japanese-style breadcrumb stays crispier for longer than traditional breadcrumbs, making it perfect for air fryer recipes. You can find panko in the Asian food aisle of most supermarkets.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Creating these appetizers is straightforward, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as homemade buffalo sauce or ranch dressing. Start by cutting the chicken into cubes or strips, and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- First, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl. Next, add the panko to ensure each piece is well-coated, allowing the seasonings to adhere better to the chicken.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Cook each batch for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- After cooking, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the butter sauce.
Creating the Butter Sauce Coating
The butter sauce adds more garlic flavor and a touch of lemon. Simply mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour this mixture over the warm chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Oven Baking Alternative
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these nuggets in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare the chicken as directed. Instead of air frying, bake the seasoned and coated chicken on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Prepare the sauce while the chicken bakes, then coat the chicken in the sauce and bake for another 5-8 minutes until fully cooked.
Ingredients List
Chicken
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch (3.8 cm) pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
Butter Sauce Coating
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken with oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Coat evenly, then mix in the panko.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
For the Butter Sauce Coating
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Pour over the warm chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the chicken nuggets warm, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying on their own for a delicious appetizer or meal.
