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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
Cook Time 12 minutes
Freezing time 20 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
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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