Homemade Air Fryer Ground Chicken Nuggets
Homemade chicken nuggets is where it’s at! These are made which simple ingredients like ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs and herbs and spices. Coated in a light breadcrumb coating and then baked in the air fryer, these crispy chicken nuggets are a healthier version of your fast food or frozen favorite.
I find the air fryer method to be the best way to cook these because it’s fast and easy and makes them nice and crispy. These are easy for busy weeknights and my kids love them too which is always a bonus! You can also bake these on a baking sheet in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-12 minutes.
Dip them in sugar free bbq sauce, Big Mac sauce, honey mustard or this dairy-free ranch dressing and serve with a side of French fries to complete your delicious meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Only 66 calories per nugget and 7g of protein.
- Simple ingredients.
Ingredients and Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this air fryer chicken nuggets. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Lean Ground Chicken: you can use 99% ground chicken but I’d recommend 93% or 96% to keep the fat for moisture. You can also try making these with ground turkey but they won’t be as flavorful.
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: you can use regular breadcrumbs and add a 1-2 tsp. of Italian seasoning.
- Whole Egg
- Liquid Smoke: hickory flavor. This adds a lot of great flavor.
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Milk: 2% or whole milk, you can use any type.
Variations
- Add some cayenne pepper to your meat mixture for some heat.
- Add parmesan cheese to the meat mixture to make these extra crispy.
- Try my air fryer chicken patties for a thicker version of these homemade nuggets.
Dietary Modifications
- To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free breadcrumb.
- For dairy-free, use a breadcrumb without any dairy and a dairy-free milk. Most Italian seasoned breadcrumbs have dairy.
How to make these homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer (a visual step-by-step guide):
Step 1: make your nuggets
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard and milk (image 1). Combine with your hands to evenly mix everything together (image 2).
Split the meat mixture into 4 balls, approximately 150g each. Split those balls into 4 nuggets, approximately 37g each (image 3). Roll into balls and lightly press into nugget shapes (image 4).
Step 2: roll in breadcrumbs & cook
Add the remaining ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to a shallow small bowl and coat each nugget in the crumbs on all sides (image 5). Place chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (image 6) and spray the tops with cooking spray spray or avocado spray and cook at 390 degrees F for 5 minutes. Flip, spray the tops and cook for an additional 4 minutes (image 7). Remove when golden brown (image 8).
Expert Tip!
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer. Watch them closely to avoid burning. You can also broil these at the end for an extra browning.
Recipe FAQs
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or pan sear to keep them crispy.
Serve with French fries, bbq sauce, Big Mac sauce or ranch dressing.
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approx. 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink.
I used Italian breadcrumbs which are much finer than Panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier and will give a little more crunch. You can use either for this recipe.
Check out some of our other air fryer recipes!
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and/or comment! Tag me on Instagram @ohsnapmacros, I love hearing from you!
Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets
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Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chicken, 97/3%
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 whole egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke, hickory flavor
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 1/2 tsp. spicy brown mustard
- 1 Tbsp. milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (outside coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, mustard and milk. Combine with your hands to evenly mix everything together.
- Split into 4 balls, approximately 150g each. Split those balls into 4 nuggets, approximately 37g each. Roll the ground chicken mixture into balls and lightly press into nugget form.
- Add the remaining ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to a shallow bowl and coat each nugget in the crumbs on all sides.
- Place coated nuggets in the air fryer basket and spray the tops with olive oil spray or avocado spray and cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Flip, spray the tops and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Remove and enjoy.
Notes
- Chicken should be cooked to 165 F for safety.
- To lower carbs, omit the crispy coating on the outside, although it is worth it!
- Use GF breadcrumbs to make gluten free.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions.
