Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, in bite-size pieces
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp flour (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 2 tbsp grated cheese, mixed into the crumbs (optional)
• Salt, pepper, oil spray

Steps

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and paprika so the flavor goes all the way through, not just in the coating.
2. Set up three shallow bowls: flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with the grated cheese.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour first, shaking off the excess.
4. Dip it into the egg, letting the extra drip off.
5. Press it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs bind to the surface instead of flaking off later.
6. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with oil - this is what gives the crumb its golden color since there's no oil bath doing that work here.
7. Air fry at 200°C for 6 minutes.
8. Flip each nugget and air fry another 5 minutes (11 minutes total) until deep golden and crisp all over.
9. Cut one open to check it's cooked through - the centre should be opaque white with no pink.
10. Serve immediately with ketchup, honey or mayo while the coating is at its crispest.

Tip: Freeze a batch after coating, then air fry from frozen for 14–15 min.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.

Serving & Storage