1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 inches in size.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Bread the Chicken
- Coat in Flour: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Nuggets
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Nuggets: Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve
- Cool and Serve: Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Success
- Even Size: Ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Crispy Texture: Don’t skip the egg wash or breadcrumb coating, as this helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Variations
Customize your Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with these variations:
- Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Mix extra grated cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesier flavor.
- Herb Nuggets: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
Conclusion
You’ve just made a batch of crispy, delicious Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets that are perfect for any meal or snack. With their crunchy exterior and tender interior, these nuggets are sure to become a family favorite.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these tasty nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces. Bon appétit!