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Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets

The ultimate comfort food, Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these nuggets are sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight for a meal your family will love!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces; thighs can be substituted
  • olive oil cooking spray or olive oil for misting, optional and as desired
  • 0.5 cup honey or to taste
  • 0.25 cup yellow mustard
  • 0.25 cup dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Shallow Bowl
  • Medium Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat an extra-large 5.8-quart or similar sized air fryer to 400F.
  2. To a large, shallow bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, pepper, and stir to combine; set aside.
  3. To a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 30 seconds on high power.
  4. Working in batches (I did 3 separate rounds), dip the chicken in the butter, then in the crumb mixture, assertively patting to help the coating adhere.
  5. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Do not allow them to touch, and don’t crowd them.
  6. Optionally if desired, give them a quick and light mist with olive oil spray.
  7. Air fry them for about 7 to 8 minutes total, flipping once halfway through with a tongs. When you flip them, if desired, spray again with a light misting of olive oil spray.
  8. Place chicken on a serving platter and repeat the process with the remaining chicken.
  9. While the last batch is air frying, to a medium bowl add the honey, mustards, whisk to combine, taste and check for flavor balance, adding more honey or mustard to taste if necessary; set aside until ready to serve with chicken.

Notes

  • Storage: Nuggets are best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
  • Tip: Honey mustard will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Note: Any leftover chicken will not be nearly as crispy compared to when it’s not fresh and reheating in a microwave will likely remove all the crispy texture, but the flavor will still be good.