Quick & Crispy Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe

Am I the last person to join the air fryer bandwagon? For a long time, I assumed it was another fashionable appliance taking up counter space. But I eventually surrendered and received one as a present, and let me tell you, I was completely wrong! The air fryer has absolutely transformed my cooking style, especially for quick and excellent dinners like these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. They're simple to prepare, I know precisely what goes into them, and I can make a large quantity for far less than you'd pay at a fast food restaurant. 

My family does not eat fast food nuggets very often, but since I developed my air fryer chicken nugget recipe, they have become a regular part of our weekly dinners. It's so much healthier and faster than getting takeout, and cleaning is simple. Pair them with my air fryer French fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate fakeout takeaway dinner at home!

Why Air Fryers Are a Healthier Choice

1. Less Oil, Fewer Calories

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil to achieve that crispy, fried texture. Traditional deep frying can load your food with unhealthy fats and extra calories, but air frying slashes this without sacrificing flavor. For example, a typical serving of deep-fried chicken nuggets can have nearly double the calories of air-fried nuggets. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, giving you that crunchy texture with significantly less fat. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and waistline!

2. Lower Risk of Heart Disease

By cutting down on oil, you’re also reducing your intake of unhealthy fats, especially trans and saturated fats. These fats are known to raise bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and contribute to heart disease. Cooking with an air fryer allows you to enjoy traditionally fried foods with a fraction of the fat, which is excellent for maintaining a healthier heart.

3. Retains Nutrients Better

When you deep-fry foods, the high heat and extended cooking times can break down the essential nutrients in your ingredients, particularly vitamins and minerals. Air frying, on the other hand, cooks your food at a lower temperature and for a shorter period, helping to retain more of those essential nutrients. This means your nuggets can still offer protein, vitamins, and minerals without losing their nutritional value during cooking.

4. Reduced Acrylamide Formation

Acrylamide is a potentially harmful chemical that forms when starchy foods like potatoes and bread are fried at high temperatures. This compound has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Air fryers cook food at a lower temperature than deep fryers, reducing acrylamide formation by up to 90%. So, not only are you cutting back on oil, but you’re also reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

5. Healthier Eating for the Whole Family

Since air frying requires minimal oil, it’s an excellent option for families looking to improve their eating habits. You can cook everything from chicken nuggets to vegetables, even desserts, without adding unnecessary fats and calories. The convenience and quick cooking times make preparing healthier meals at home, even on busy nights, easier. And let’s be honest—kids love crispy nuggets, so why not make a better version for them?

Ingredients for This Air Fryer Nuggets Recipe

• 2 Chicken breast
• 1 Egg
• 3 Tablespoons cream
• 1 Teaspoon paprika
• 1 Teaspoon onion powder
• 1 Teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 3 Cloves garlic
• Juice of ½ lemon

And for that all-important crispy coating:

• 1 Cup almond flour
• ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ Cup ground Parmesan cheese

How to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Nuggets?

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, chop your chicken breasts into bite-sized nuggets. Toss them in a mixture of egg, cream, garlic, and all those lovely seasonings—paprika, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

Step 2: Make the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, mix together almond flour, parmesan cheese, and a bit of garlic powder for that irresistible coating.

Step 3: Coat the Nuggets

One by one, dip each nugget into the breading mixture, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides. Don’t be shy with the breading—it gives the nuggets their crunch!

Step 4: Into the Air Fryer 

Now, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and pop those nuggets in. Set the timer for 15 minutes and let the air fryer work its crispy magic. Halfway through, please give them a quick flip to make sure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Check for Golden Perfection 

After 15 minutes, your nuggets should be beautifully golden and crispy on the outside, with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Feel free to leave them in for another minute or two if you like them extra crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part—eating them! Serve your nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re a fan of classic ketchup, spicy sriracha, or a creamy garlic dip, these nuggets will be the star of the show!

Zulay's Expert Tips to Make Your Nuggets Even Better

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give the nuggets some space to ensure they cook evenly. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Flip halfway through: This helps achieve that perfect, all-around crispiness.
• Customize the seasoning: Feel free to play around with the spices! Love heat? Add a little cayenne pepper. Want a smoky flavor? Try smoked paprika instead of regular.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

The health benefits of cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer go beyond the deliciousness of the result. You may indulge in crispy, golden nuggets without feeling guilty since they are reduced in calories, fat, and hazardous chemicals. Air frying benefits your body since it keeps more nutrients in your meal.

These Quick & Crispy Nuggets are a great addition to any meal or snack since they are both tasty and healthy thanks to how they are cooked. So, if you're looking for a way to improve your health without sacrificing flavor, try this recipe!