If you enjoy McDonald’s-style nuggets but want a healthier option, try these air fryer chicken nuggets. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and far less oil than deep frying—once you make them you’ll want to prepare them often.
Why this recipe works
This recipe adapts a classic chicken nugget method for the air fryer. Air frying reduces the oil needed while still producing a satisfyingly crisp crust. The flavors are seasoned to mimic a familiar fast-food favorite, but with simple ingredients you control at home.
Ingredients you will need
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize the process. Skip to the recipe card at the bottom for an easy printable version with exact measurements and timings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into cubes and add to a food processor. Process until you have a fine paste, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt, parsley flakes, oregano, onion powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Whisk the eggs in a small bowl.
- Combine the flour and salt on a plate for breading.
- Measure the chicken paste with a cookie scoop and roll into balls (this recipe yields about 42 nuggets).
- Coat each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in flour. Press gently with your fingers to flatten into nugget shapes and shake off excess flour.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so nuggets don’t stick.
- Place nuggets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook at 360°F for 7 minutes. Open the air fryer, lightly brush both sides of the nuggets with canola oil, then continue cooking.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook another 7 minutes without opening.
- Remove nuggets with tongs and let them cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use the same assembly method and bake on a sheet pan lined with a cookie sheet or parchment. Arrange nuggets so they aren’t touching, bake for 10 minutes, brush with canola oil, then bake another 10 minutes. The oven method allows baking more nuggets at once but may take slightly longer for even browning.
Absolutely. The recipe yields a large batch, so halving it is fine if you want fewer nuggets.
Yes. After forming the raw, breaded nuggets, place them on a wax-paper-lined sheet so they don’t touch and freeze for a couple of hours. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook them from frozen, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These air fryer chicken nuggets deliver the familiar taste and texture of fast-food nuggets without the excess oil or unknown ingredients. They’re a great homemade option the whole family will enjoy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer French Toast Bites
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air Fryer Bagels
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Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Note: Helpful FAQs are included above in the post—see the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts (3–4 breasts; preferably no water added)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (for chicken)
- 3/4 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (heaping)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (heaping)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (for flour)
- Cooking spray
- Canola oil for basting
Things You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Pastry brush (or silicone brush)
- Tongs
Before You Begin
- Some brands of chicken are injected with water, which can make the processed paste stickier. Using “no water added” chicken produces a better texture.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small. Nuggets should not touch so hot air can circulate evenly around each piece.
- Air fryers vary. If you’re unsure, test with a few nuggets first and adjust between 350°F and 365°F as needed; 360°F is a reliable starting point.
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
- Cube chicken breasts and process in a food processor until a fine paste forms. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add salt, parsley, oregano, onion powder, and pepper to the chicken and mix well.
- Whisk eggs in a small bowl.
- Mix flour and salt on a plate for breading.
- Portion the chicken paste with a cookie scoop and roll into about 42 balls.
- Coat each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in flour. Press lightly to shape into nuggets and shake off excess flour.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange nuggets in a single layer without touching.
- Cook 7 minutes at 360°F, open the fryer and brush both sides lightly with canola oil, then continue cooking.
- Cook an additional 7 minutes without opening. Remove with tongs and let cool briefly before serving.
Nutrition
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Calories: 209 cal
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Carbs: 21 g
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Protein: 21 g
Recipes are tested in a conventional oven and stovetop. Ovens and appliances vary, so you may need to adjust times and temperatures for your equipment. For appliances like air fryers or pressure cookers, test small batches first to confirm timing.