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Crispy, Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Air Fryer & Baked Option)

A pile of golden brown homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate, one nugget is broken open showing the white chicken interior.
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Create irresistible, crispy homemade chicken nuggets that rival fast food, using simple ingredients. This recipe offers options for baking or air frying for a healthier, family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Cooking spray or oil for brushing/spraying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is coarsely ground or finely chopped. Do not over-process into a paste.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Form the nuggets: Take about 1 tablespoon of the ground chicken mixture and shape it into a small nugget shape. You can use a small cookie scoop or your hands.
  4. Dredge the nuggets: Dip each shaped nugget first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Choose your method):
  6. For Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  7. For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a lightly oiled wire rack set over a baking sheet (this helps air circulate for crispiness). Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For a copycat fast food flavor, add a pinch of ground celery seed to the flour mixture.
  • These homemade chicken nuggets freeze well. Place cooked, cooled nuggets on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
  • Use ground chicken for a softer texture or chicken breast for a firmer bite.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe-easy-crispy/