Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are everything I want in a snack or quick meal—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and way better for me than anything frozen or deep-fried. I love how quick they are to make and how satisfying they are without all the extra oil.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that classic chicken nugget crunch without the guilt. The air fryer makes them golden and crispy with barely any oil, and I know exactly what’s going into them. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a protein-packed snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks.
2. I season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then drizzle them with olive oil to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, I mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan cheese.
4. I dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
5. I place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching.
6. I give them a quick spray with olive oil to help them crisp up.
7. I cook them at 400°F for about 8–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 8–9 minutes
• Total time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs if I want them a little juicier.
• Add some heat by mixing a little cayenne or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb coating.
• Go gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Try different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino for a twist.
• Make them bigger and turn them into air fryer chicken tenders instead of nuggets.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I toss them back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. I avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I bread them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. It makes dinner come together even faster.

Can I freeze these nuggets?

Definitely. After cooking and cooling, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. I reheat them in the air fryer straight from frozen.

What can I dip them in?

I like ketchup, honey mustard, or a light ranch. Sometimes I go with Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon and garlic for something healthier.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I usually do for best results—it only takes a couple of minutes and helps the nuggets cook more evenly.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, if I don’t have an air fryer, I bake them at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still really good.

Conclusion

These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are one of my favorite ways to make a fast, clean, and tasty meal. They’re easy to whip up, super satisfying, and way healthier than the frozen kind. Once I started making these, I stopped buying the store-bought version for good.

Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–9 minutes
• Total Time: 18–20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are the perfect homemade alternative to store-bought or deep-fried nuggets. Made with lean chicken breast, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a touch of Parmesan, they’re crispy, juicy, and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer with minimal oil. Great for quick dinners, healthy snacks, or meal prep—these nuggets are family-approved and guilt-free.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
• Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to coat.
• In a bowl, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan.
• Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat.
• Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without touching.
• Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
• Air fry at 400°F for 8–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

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Notes

• Want it juicier? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Add a kick: Mix in cayenne or smoked paprika with the breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Pecorino for a different flavor.
• Make tenders: Cut chicken into strips for air fryer chicken tenders.