Introduction
As a busy home cook, I know how hectic meal times can get, especially when trying to please picky eaters. These kid-approved air fryer chicken nuggets are not only quick to prepare, but they’re also healthy and delicious, making them a family favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your air fryer chicken nuggets:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip in egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Spray the nuggets lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of chicken nuggets (about 5 pieces) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Not seasoning the flour mixture can lead to bland nuggets.
- Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven cooking.
- Using wet hands while breading can make the process messy.
Pro Tip for Easy Clean-Up
To make clean-up a breeze, use parchment air fryer liners or aluminum foil. They keep the basket clean and can be tossed after cooking!
