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The Ultimate Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Oven or Air Fryer Method)

A pile of crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets stacked high on a white plate.
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Make irresistible, crispy homemade chicken nuggets from scratch. This recipe uses simple ingredients and offers oven or air fryer methods for a healthier, quick weeknight dinner that kids love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is coarsely ground. Do not over-process; you want a texture, not a paste.
  2. Shape the nuggets: Scoop the ground chicken onto a plate and gently form the mixture into small, classic nugget shapes. Place the formed nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Set up the breading stations: In the first shallow dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Coat the nuggets: Dredge each chicken nugget first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the nugget firmly into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated nuggets on a lightly oiled or sprayed baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Place the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For meal prep, cool the cooked nuggets completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for best crispiness.
  • To mimic fast food flavor, add a pinch of celery salt to the breading mixture.
  • If you prefer using chicken breast chunks instead of ground chicken, marinate the chunks in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading for extra juicy chicken nuggets.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe/