Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Homemade air fryer chicken nuggets with an extra-crispy cornflake crust and a secret ingredient — a little cream cheese keeps the inside unbelievably tender and juicy. They crush the frozen kind and have no mystery fillers.
Kids devour them, and they're easy to make in a big batch and freeze. Serve with ketchup, honey mustard or BBQ for dipping.
Ingredients
Instructions
Make the mixture
Mix the ground chicken with the cream cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Chill 10 minutes so it's easier to shape.
Shape & bread
Form nugget shapes, then coat each in flour, then egg, then the crushed cornflakes, pressing to stick.
Air fry
Spray with oil and air fry in batches at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked to 165°F.
- Cream cheese is the trick to juicy, tender nuggets.
- Chill the mixture so it holds its shape when breading.
- Crushed cornflakes give a shatter-crisp crust — panko works too.
Frequently asked
How long do chicken nuggets take in the air fryer?
Homemade nuggets take 12–14 minutes at 400°F, flipping once, to 165°F. Frozen nuggets take about 8–10 minutes.
Can I cook frozen nuggets in the air fryer?
Yes — air fry frozen nuggets at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway. No oil needed.
Can I freeze homemade nuggets?
Yes — freeze them breaded, then air fry from frozen, adding a few minutes.
