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Air fryer pink potato wedges with crispy roasted edges, vibrant pink potatoes, and fresh herb garnish
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Air Fryer Ground Turkey Nuggets - Crispy, Juicy, Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean is ideal; 99% can be dry)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko; gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (adds flavor and helps browning)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, fresh or dried)
  • Cooking spray or a little olive oil
  • Optional for coating: extra 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch
  • Dipping sauces: ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or sriracha mayo

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. A hot basket helps the nuggets crisp up.
  • Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or the nuggets can get tough.
  • Shape the nuggets: Lightly oil your hands. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and press into nugget shapes—oval or classic “nugget” style. Aim for even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
  • Optional crunch coat: If you want a super crisp exterior, roll each nugget lightly in extra breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Press gently so it sticks.
  • Prepare the basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil. This prevents sticking and boosts browning.
  • Arrange and spray: Place nuggets in a single layer with space between them. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Nuggets are done when the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest briefly: Let the nuggets sit for 2 minutes. This helps juices settle and keeps the coating crisp.
  • Serve: Plate with dipping sauces and a simple side like carrot sticks, apple slices, or a green salad.