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Air fryer paleo chicken nuggets with a crispy golden coating, juicy tender chicken inside, creamy dipping sauce, fresh parsley, and carrot and celery sticks, served as a healthy grain free meal.
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Air Fryer Paleo Chicken Nuggets - Crispy, Juicy, and Simple

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast (1.5–2 pounds), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • Almond flour (1 cup), fine or super-fine
  • Arrowroot starch or tapioca starch (1/2 cup)
  • Eggs (2 large), beaten
  • Avocado oil or olive oil (2–3 tablespoons), plus spray for the basket
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) or sweet paprika for milder flavor
  • Sea salt (1 to 1.5 teaspoons)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Optional: cayenne (1/4 teaspoon) for heat
  • Optional dipping sauces: paleo ketchup, spicy mayo (avocado oil mayo + hot sauce), or honey-mustard (raw honey + Dijon-style mustard; check labels)

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken. Trim the breasts and cut into even, bite-size nuggets. Aim for about 1.5-inch pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Set up your stations. In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a second bowl, mix almond flour, arrowroot, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. A hot basket helps the coating crisp right away.
  • Coat the nuggets. Pat the chicken dry. Dip each piece in egg, let excess drip off, then press into the flour mixture to coat all sides. Place on a plate while you work.
  • Oil lightly. Drizzle or brush the coated nuggets with avocado oil, or spritz lightly with oil spray. This boosts browning and crunch.
  • Air fry in batches. Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Arrange nuggets in a single layer without crowding. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Nuggets are done when the coating is golden and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
  • Repeat and rest. Cook remaining batches. Let nuggets rest 2–3 minutes to lock in juices.
  • Serve. Plate with your favorite paleo-friendly dips and a side of veggies or a simple salad.