These EASY air fryer nuggetsare coated in a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, which makes them EXTRA flavorful and SO CRISPY!! Dip them in this 30-second homemade honey mustard sauce for a guaranteed family FAVORITE!!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time8 minutesmins
Additional Time30 minutesmins
Total Time53 minutesmins
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken nuggets, chicken nuggets in air fryer, homemade chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets air fryer, how long to cook chicken nuggets in air fryer, how to cook chicken nuggets in air fryer
Servings: 5
Calories: 725kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
Chicken nuggets:
1 ½cupsPanko breadcrumbs
1cupfinely grated parmesan cheese
1teaspoonkosher saltor to taste
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperor to taste
6tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted
1 ½poundsboneless skinless chicken breaststhighs can be substituted, cut into bite-sized pieces
olive oil cooking spray or olive oil for mistingoptional and as desired
To a large, shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, pepper, and stir to combine; set aside.
To a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 30 seconds on high power.
Working in batches (I did 3 separate rounds), dip the chicken in the butter, then in the crumb mixture, assertively patting to help the coating adhere.
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Do not allow them to touch, and don't crowd them.
Optionally if desired, give them a quick and light mist with olive oil spray.
Air fry them for about 7 to 8 minutes total, flipping once halfway through with a tongs. When you flip them, if desired, spray again with a light misting of olive oil spray. Exact cooking time will vary based on your air fryer, the size of your chicken pieces, and until you know how your air fryer behaves, I would start checking for doneness by 5 minutes in case it runs on the hot side. These small pieces of chicken really don't take very long to cook.
Place chicken on a serving platter and repeat the process with the remaining chicken, likely two more rounds. Tip - While one batch is air frying, work ahead and start buttering and coating the next batch of chicken in the panko-parm mixture.
Make the honey mustard dipping sauce:
While the last batch is air frying, to a medium bowl add the honey, mustards, whisk to combine, taste and check for flavor balance, adding more honey or mustard to taste if necessary; set aside until ready to serve with chicken.
Notes
Storage: Nuggets are best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Honey mustard will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.Note: Any leftover chicken will not be nearly as crispy compared to when it's not fresh and reheating in a microwave will likely remove all the crispy texture, but the flavor will still be good.