CHICKEN NUGGETS AIR FRYER

By Food Pakistan
29-Feb-2024

Discover the Joy of Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Easy, Affordable, and Delicious!

Have you joined the air fryer craze yet? If not, you might be missing out! Gone are the days when I thought it was just another bulky appliance cluttering up my kitchen counter. But oh, was I mistaken! Ever since I received an air fryer as a gift, I've been hooked, especially when it comes to whipping up simple recipes like these mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. They're a breeze to make, allow for ingredient customization, and let's not forget - they're a budget-friendly alternative to fast-food options. #Winning!

What You'll Need: Let's keep it simple. Here's what you'll need to make these delectable chicken nuggets

Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for that classic nugget texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light coating to help the buttermilk stick to the chicken.
Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken juicy and acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: The key to achieving that irresistible golden brown crust.
Oil and Spices: A touch of oil ensures crispy perfection, while your favorite spices add flavor.

Buttermilk Alternatives: Don't fret if you're out of buttermilk. Here are some easy swaps

Milk + Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Simply mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Greek Yogurt: Combine plain Greek yogurt with a bit of salt and water for a similar effect.

Recipe Tips for Success: Follow these tips for nuggets that are crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible

Mix spices with breadcrumbs separately for even distribution.
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken for full coverage.
Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Got leftovers? No problem! Reheat them in the air fryer for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste. Just preheat to 375°F, place the nuggets in a single layer, and heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

What to Serve With Chicken Nuggets: A good dipping sauce is essential! Try these favorites:

Honey Mustard
Homemade BBQ
Mayo Ketchup
Sweet and Sour
Tartar
Comeback Sauce

And for sides, consider Oven-Baked Steak Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Simple Sautéed Vegetables, or a quick Pasta Salad to complete your meal!"

Enjoy your air-fried delights!

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Budget Friendly and Delicious!

Ingredients

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2/3 lb.) ($4.50)
3/4 tsp salt, divided ($0.05)
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.02)
1/2 cup buttermilk ($0.24)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.60)
1 tsp garlic powder ($0.10)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.05)
2 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.08)

Instructions

Begin by cutting the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces on a cutting board, yielding approximately 20-24 chicken nuggets based on size.
Sprinkle ¼ tsp of salt evenly over the chicken pieces. Then, coat the chicken evenly with flour by tossing them in it.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ½ tsp salt. Mix well. Add cooking oil to the breadcrumb mixture and stir until evenly coated, resembling damp sand.
Pour the buttermilk into another small bowl.
Arrange the chicken, buttermilk, and breadcrumb mixture in a line. Using tongs or your hands, dip each chicken nugget into the buttermilk, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Set aside the coated chicken pieces.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being mindful not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once done, remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let cool for 3-5 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.