Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets – These 3-ingredients, Ritz chicken nuggets can be made in less than 25 minutes using the air fryer! Plus, they freeze so well!

AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

It’s hard to believe these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are not deep-fried! They turn out so crispy, and juicy, just like the deep-fried ones, but much healthier!

It’s so easy to make these delicious nuggets at home! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. They are great for weeknight dinner, game day snacks, appetizers, or even lunch!

They are quick, easy, and delicious, made from scratch without using any oil. Chicken pieces are coated in Ritz crumbs and then air fried until perfectly golden and crispy.

With these 3-ingredients, Ritz chicken nuggets can be made in less than 25 minutes using the air fryer! Plus, they freeze so well. Double the recipe and freeze some for later. A healthy weeknight dinner for the whole family to enjoy!

I like to serve these chicken nuggets with some honey mustard and ketchup. My hubby likes it with some buffalo ranch.

Ditch the deep-frying and try these healthier Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, cooked to perfection! These crispy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are a must-try!

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

Chicken – I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch, even bite-sized pieces.

Crumbs – I used Ritz cracker crumbs for this recipe. You can also use panko bread crumbs.

Spices – Spices are optional. But, I highly recommend adding them to enhance the flavor of the chicken nuggets. I used some garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, and dried parsley. Feel free to use seasonings of your choice.

Buttermilk – I used buttermilk to marinate the chicken. It keeps nuggets moist and tender when cooked. You can use egg instead of buttermilk, works fine.

Oil – I didn’t use any oil or cooking spray. Since the Ritz crackers are quite buttery, they worked just fine. You can use any cooking spray if you prefer.

Pic Shown: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN NUGGETS IN THE AIR FRYER

Follow my easy recipe to make the best air fryer chicken nuggets at home. Enjoy this healthier version of chicken nuggets!

PREP FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Note: I like to keep them the same size about 1 1/2 -2 inches so they cook evenly.

Pour buttermilk into a medium bowl and season with garlic powder (optional), ground mustard powder (optional), salt, and pepper, to taste. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes.

Note: Buttermilk helps chicken nuggets stay moist and tender when cooked.

Add the Ritz cracker into a large Ziploc bag and close the bag. Using a rolling pin or wooden spatula, break the cracker into fine to slightly coarse crumbs.

(optional) Season the crumbs with garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

Preheat the air fryer basket.

Using tongs, remove a few pieces of chicken from the marinade, and shake off any excess marinade. Drop them in the crumbs and shake the Ziploc bag, to coat the crumbs evenly.

Remove the mixture-coated chicken and place them on an air fryer basket.

(Optional) Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.

Air Fry the chicken nuggets for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden.

Pic Shown: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

TIPS TO MAKE PERFECT AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

Always buy fresh, good-quality chicken. If you can find organic chicken, go for it.

Trim any excess fat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like to keep them the same size about 1 1/2 -2 inches so they cook evenly.

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes. Buttermilk helps chicken nuggets stay moist and tender when cooked.

I like to season the marinate with some garlic powder and ground mustard powder. It is optional, but it gives nuggets a nice flavor.

Crush the Ritz crackers coarsely. I prefer a mix of fine and coarse cracker crumbs, so they coat well on the chicken pieces.

You can add some garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley to the cracker crumbs for some additional flavor.

Preheat the air fryer before air frying the nuggets. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, simply preheat the air fryer for 2 minutes.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer. Allow some space between the nuggets, so they cook evenly on all sides.

I have used Ritz crackers for coating the nuggets. These Ritz crumbs have a lot of butter, so I didn’t feel the need to spray the nuggets before air-frying. If you like, you can lightly spray them with some cooking spray.

For even cooking, turn the chicken nuggets halfway through. It ensures that the nuggets are browned on both sides.

Depending upon the size of your air fryer basket, you may have to fry these nuggets in batches.

If not serving immediately, pop these nuggets back into the air fryer basket, and quickly reheat them for 1-2 minutes. Do not overcook, or the nuggets will turn dry.

Pic Shown: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

FAQ’s

CAN I USE AN EGG

You can use egg instead of buttermilk to marinate the chicken.

CAN I USE BREADCRUMBS

You can use panko bread crumbs instead of Ritz cracker crumbs. Use a mix of panko and Italian bread crumbs for the best results.

IS THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE

No, this recipe is not gluten-free. Ritz crackers are not gluten-free.

For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or crumbs.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN NUGGETS

Nuggets stay good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an air-tight container for best results.

HOW TO FREEZE THE CHICKEN NUGGETS

Air Fry the chicken nuggets. Once cool, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove them from the freezer and keep the nuggets in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or container. Nuggets freeze well for up to 3 months.

No need to defrost the nuggets, simply air fry at 350 for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is warm through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This recipe makes 4 servings. Enjoy these healthier, nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pair it with air fryer fries and salad for a complete meal.

TRIED THIS RECIPE?

Hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets!! If you give this recipe a try, please rate the recipe by clicking the stars  on the recipe card. Leave a comment and share your experience. Thank you  

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