Description
Healthier-than-fried chicken nuggets with an ultra-crispy panko coating, made effortlessly in the air fryer. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil or spray
- For dipping (optional):
- Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup
Instructions
- Prep coating: In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In separate bowls, place flour and beaten eggs.
- Bread nuggets: Toss chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air fry: Lightly spray nuggets with oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let cool 2 minutes. Serve with dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Spritz breaded nuggets with oil before air frying.
- Gluten-free option: Use GF panko and flour.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked breaded nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen (+3-5 mins).
- Spice it up: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne to the panko mix.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 nuggets
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg