Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray

Crispy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets with a golden crunch — better than fast food, kid-approved and freezer-friendly.

By Adarsh · June 14, 2026

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 25 min
Serves: 4 servings

Jump to Recipe Save

Homemade chicken nuggets beat the drive-thru every time, and the air fryer makes them golden and crunchy with barely any oil. Made from real chicken breast in a seasoned panko coating, they're a hit with kids and adults alike — and they freeze beautifully for fast future dinners.

Instructions

1
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season lightly with salt.
2
Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with parmesan, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in the third.
3
Coat each piece in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko mixture until well coated.
4
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the nuggets in a single layer and spray the tops with oil.
5
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway, until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C) inside.

Notes & Tips

Spraying the breading with oil gives that deep-fried crunch. To freeze, bread the nuggets and freeze raw on a tray, then bag them — air fry from frozen for about 12 minutes.