Image Source from jesslbenoit

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (From Scratch): The Perfect Snack

In recent years, air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, enabling us to enjoy our favourite fried foods with significantly less oil. Amongst the myriad of dishes that can be prepared in an air fryer, chicken nuggets stand out as a family favourite. Making air fryer chicken nuggets from scratch not only ensures that you know exactly what goes into them, but also allows you to customise the flavours to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious, crispy air fryer chicken nuggets from scratch that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Breading:

• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 150g breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)
• Optional: 50g grated Parmesan cheese for added flavour

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2.5 cm cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the chicken is well coated with the seasoning. Allow it to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavours.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process:

1. Flour Bowl: Place the plain flour in the first bowl, seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper.
2. Egg Bowl: Beat the eggs in the second bowl.
3. Breadcrumb Bowl: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take a piece of seasoned chicken and dip it into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

While breading the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for around 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken nuggets cook evenly and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Cook the Nuggets

Place the breaded chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them with your favourite dips, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. A side of fresh vegetables or a small salad can make this snack even more nutritious.

Tips for Success

1. Flavour Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or marinades to give your chicken nuggets a unique twist. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic flavour.
2. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack.
3. Freezing: For future meals, you can freeze the breaded nuggets before cooking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Making air fryer chicken nuggets from scratch is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious and healthier version of this classic snack that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Next time you’re in the mood for a tasty treat, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

No items listed in the response.