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Crispy chicken nuggets arranged on a plate

Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Juicy chicken breast nuggets with a crisp seasoned coating and quick pickle-juice marinade.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
Coating
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar optional
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • cooking spray as needed

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in pickle juice for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Whisk milk and egg in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, panko, powdered sugar if using, paprika, chili powder, pepper, salt, and baking powder.
  3. Dip chicken into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the basket, arrange nuggets in one layer, and spray their tops.
  5. Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip, spray again, raise the temperature to 400°F, and cook 2 to 4 minutes more, until crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F.

Notes

Cook in batches for the crispiest coating. Crowding the basket traps steam.