Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Easy + Meal-Prep Friendly)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-packed: With 39g of protein per serving with only 340 calories, these nuggets will keep you full and satisfied.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch, freeze them, and air fry when needed for a quick and healthy snack. I make them all in advance and put them in the fridge in meal-prep containers to reheat all week.
• Healthier alternative: These healthy air fryer chicken nuggets are crispy and flavourful, without the excess oil from deep frying.
• Customisable: Choose your favourite seasoning for the perfect flavour boost.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Grab all your ingredients! View the recipe card below for a full list of all the ingredients and measurements.

• Chicken breast (or minced chicken breast) – A lean source of protein, boneless chicken breast is perfect for this recipe. If using whole breast, it needs to be minced. Alternatively, you can use pre-minced chicken breast.
  • Substitute: Pre-minced chicken is also a good pick, note that if it has dark meat in it might up the calories of the recipe.
  • Variation: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs would make this even more juicy and flavourful, so if you don’t mind the extra calories it would be superb.
• Seasonings
  • Salt – To enhance the overall flavour of the nuggets – we don’t want bland nuggets. No thank youuuuu.
  • MSG (optional) – Adds an umami kick to these healthy air fryer chicken nuggets, but feel free to skip if you don’t have it.
    • Substitute: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce should also add an umami flavour.
  • Smoked paprika – Provides a smoky flavour.
  • White pepper – A more subtle pepper that adds heat without being overpowering. Substitute with black pepper if needed.
  • Garlic powder – Brings a savoury note to the chicken.
  • Onion powder – Complements the garlic powder, creating a flavourful base.
  • Substitute: 2-3 tsp of your favourite seasoning – You can swap all the spices for a pre-made seasoning blend like peri-peri, BBQ rub, or chicken spice. Just take into consideration that some seasoning blends have more salt than others.
• For the coating:
  • Cornflakes, crushed – Cornflakes create a crunchy, light texture for the coating. Crush them into small crumbs, but not too fine.
  • Seasoning salt – Adds flavour to the cornflake coating.
  • 1 egg – Helps the cornflakes stick to the chicken nuggets.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe

If you're craving chicken nuggets but want a healthier alternative, these quick, easy nuggets are thick, crunchy and everything you want from a chicken nugget. They work so well for meal prep and a quick reheat in the airfryer and you'll be enjoying these delightful bites all week long. For a perfect pairing try this with my low-calorie KFC Honey Mustard Sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Freezing time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Equipment

• 1 air fryer

Ingredients

  

Nuggets:

• 500 g skinless, boneless chicken breast or lean chicken mince (~1lb) can sub thighs but this will up the calories
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp MSG optional

Coating:

• 1 egg (~50g, large egg)
• 80 g cornflakes (~1.5 – 2 cups)
• 1 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions

 

Prepare the chicken mixture:

• If using whole chicken breast, blend the chicken with salt, MSG (if using), smoked paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a food processor until minced. If using pre-minced chicken, mix the spices directly into the mince.

Shape the nuggets:

• With gloved hands, take golf-ball-sized portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into nuggets. Place the nuggets on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.

Prepare the coating:

• While the nuggets are in the freezer, crush the cornflakes in a zip-lock bag using a rolling pin or in a food processor. Pour the crushed cornflakes into a large bowl and mix with the seasoning salt.

Coat the nuggets:

• Whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Remove the nuggets from the freezer, dip each one into the egg, and then coat in the crushed cornflakes. Press the cornflakes onto the nuggets to ensure an even coating.

Cook the nuggets:

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Serve:

• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as my Low-Calorie KFC Honey Mustard Copycat Sauce. Each serving is around 5-6 nuggets.

Video

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Frequently Asked Questions