Recipes AirfryerHomemade Panko Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Real chicken breast nuggets, hand-breaded in a toasted panko coating you whip up in a food processor. They come out crisp outside and juicy inside, and kids and adults both demolish them.
These are the from-scratch version, with a light olive oil panko crumb rather than a heavy batter. Dip them in honey mustard, ketchup or ranch.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cut
Cut the chicken into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
Make the crumb
Pulse the panko, olive oil and a pinch of salt in a food processor to a fine crumb, then transfer to a shallow bowl.
Bread
Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then the panko, pressing to coat.
Spray
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the breaded pieces lightly with oil.
Air fry
Cook in batches in a single layer for 10 minutes, turning once, until golden and 165°F inside.
- Pressing the crumbs on firmly keeps the coating from falling off.
- Cook in batches; crowded nuggets steam instead of crisp.
- Freeze uncooked on a tray, then bag; air fry from frozen, adding 3 to 4 minutes.
Frequently asked
How long do chicken nuggets take in the air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 400°F, turning once, until 165°F inside.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bread and freeze them raw, then cook from frozen at 380°F for 12 to 14 minutes.
What dips go well?
Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup and ranch are the classics.
