Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Print Version)

Juicy chicken bites with a smoky, crunchy panko crust. Air fried for fast, flavorful results the whole family loves.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Breading & Seasoning

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 3 ounces panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free as needed)

→ Finishing

09 - Cooking oil spray (neutral oil such as avocado or canola recommended)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
02 - Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut into uniform 1-inch chunks to promote even cooking.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until thoroughly combined.
04 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish to facilitate even coating of the chicken pieces.
05 - Dip each chicken chunk into the seasoned egg mixture, then coat in panko, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
06 - Place breaded chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap for optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
07 - Lightly spray chicken nuggets with cooking oil spray. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until golden, crispy, and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
08 - Remove nuggets with tongs and serve immediately with desired dipping sauces for best texture.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For gluten-free preparation, substitute with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to maintain crunch while eliminating gluten.
02 - Cutting the chicken into even 1-inch pieces ensures thorough, uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
03 - Spraying the nuggets with oil instead of drizzling limits fat content while encouraging a crispy exterior.
04 - Nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer at 400°F for 4 to 8 minutes to refresh crispiness.
05 - Classic dipping sauces include ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayonnaise.

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