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Square overhead photo of a white plate with air fryer chicken nuggets and ketchup sitting on a red and white napkin.
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Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Looking for an easy and tasty dinner idea? Try air fryer chicken nuggets! They are quick and simple to make, and the whole family will love them. Plus, they are a lot healthier than traditional chicken nuggets.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Air Fryer
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 275kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

Brine

  • 4 cups water divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 ¼ pound boneless skinless chicken breast

Breadcrumbs

Coating

  • ¼ all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs

For Cooking

  • Cooking Spray

Instructions

Make the Brine

  • Heat 1 cup of water until it is warm, but not boiling. Add the sugar and salt and stir until they dissolve.
  • Place the remaining 3 cups of water in a larger bowl. Add the sugar and salt water mixture and stir.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Cut the Chicken
  • While the brine is cooling cut the chicken breast into three equal piece and cut the pieces into roughly equal sized chunks.
  • Brine
  • Add the chicken to the brine and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine and transfer it to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Pat dry.

Toast the Breadcrumbs

  • While the chicken is brining, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, and cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Coat the Chicken

  • Transfer the breadcrumbs to a shallow dish.
  • In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • In a third dish, beat the eggs to combine.
  • Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and then dip it in the egg mixture.
  • Dip into the breadcrumbs, using your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken.
  • Transfer to a rack set on top of a baking sheet and continue with the remaining chicken.

Cook

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400° F.
  • Spray the chicken well with cooking spray.
  • Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until crispy and golden brown and the center reaches 165° F.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 2926mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg