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Air fryer breaded chicken nuggets with a crispy golden breadcrumb coating, juicy tender chicken inside, crunchy texture, and lemon wedges, served as an easy family friendly meal or snack.
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Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Nuggets - Crispy, Tender, and Easy

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1.25-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
  • Lemon wedges, to serve (optional)
  • Dipping sauces: ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or spicy mayo

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dry chicken helps the coating stick and crisp up.
  • Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a second, add flour. In a third, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Coat the chicken: Work in batches. Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Place on a plate or tray.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the nuggets crisp.
  • Arrange and spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Place nuggets in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Mist the tops with oil spray for even browning.
  • Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Nuggets are done when golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Repeat: Cook remaining batches. Keep finished nuggets on a warm plate or a low oven (200°F/95°C) to stay crisp.
  • Serve: Squeeze a little lemon over the top if you like and serve with your favorite sauces.