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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Easy Party Appetizer

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These crispy air fryer chicken nuggets are the perfect party appetizer, staying crunchy for ages and made with simple ingredients. They are quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
  • Your favorite dipping sauces (honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or sriracha mayo)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Set up breading station with three shallow bowls: first bowl with flour, second bowl with beaten eggs and milk whisked together, third bowl with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  3. Working one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. Place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
  5. Arrange breaded nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not overcrowding. Spray tops generously with oil.
  6. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. At the 5-minute mark, flip each nugget and spray the other side with oil. Cook until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Let nuggets rest on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with dipping sauces.

Notes

For best results, do not skip preheating the air fryer. Let breaded nuggets rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere. Use a spray oil rather than brushing to avoid knocking off breading. For parties, bread nuggets ahead and cook in batches as guests arrive. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, party appetizer, easy appetizer, chicken nuggets

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-nuggets-easy-party-appetizer/