Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack or meal option for people of all ages. They are a quick and easy dish that can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a side of french fries, or used as a topping for salads. With the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now exploring new ways to cook their favorite foods, including chicken nuggets. In this article, we will share with you a quick and easy recipe for cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer oven. So, let’s get started!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this chicken nugget recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
– Cooking spray
Prepare the Chicken Nuggets
Cut the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast or tenderloins into bite-sized pieces. You can make them as big or small as you prefer. Cutting them into uniform sizes ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station by placing three shallow bowls or plates side by side. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second one, crack the eggs and beat them well. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Mix them well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Bread the Chicken Nuggets
Take each piece of chicken and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded nuggets on a separate plate.
Cook the Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer Oven
Preheat the Air Fryer Oven
Preheat your air fryer oven to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the chicken nuggets properly.
Arrange the Nuggets
Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer, leaving enough space between them for the hot air to circulate. If needed, cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the Nuggets
Place the air fryer basket or tray into the preheated oven. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes and start the cooking process. Halfway through, flip the chicken nuggets using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the size and thickness of the nuggets.
Enjoy the Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer oven. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken nuggets go well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a side of french fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Alternatively, chop them up and use them as a topping for a hearty chicken nugget salad.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover chicken nuggets, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can pop them back in the air fryer oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, delicious results without the need for deep frying. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade chicken nuggets that are sure to please both kids and adults alike. So, give it a try and enjoy this tasty snack or meal whenever the craving hits!