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    Home >> Recipes >> Appetizers

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Published: Oct 6, 2022 by Jyoti Behrani · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    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

     

    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!

     

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

     

    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

     

    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 ½ -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

     

    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 ½ -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

     

    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.

     

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

     

    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 ❤️ 

    You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest on my blog!! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for easy and delicious video recipes. Happy Air Frying!!

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    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Jyoti Behrani
    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!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Dish/Entrees
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 151 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch, even bite-sized pieces
    • 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 16 crackers)
    • ⅓ cup buttermilk
    • salt & pepper, to taste

    OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
    • ⅛ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

    Instructions
     

    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 ½ -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 crackers 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 to 400 F.
    • 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.

    Notes

    Please refer to the post for the following:
    1. Tips To Make Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    2. FAQ's

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    151
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    6
    g
    9
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.2
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    38
    mg
    13
    %
    Sodium
     
    219
    mg
    10
    %
    Potassium
     
    254
    mg
    7
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    11
    g
    4
    %
    Fiber
     
    0.3
    g
    1
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    14
    g
    28
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    50
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    49
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Disclaimer

    Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
    Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Check out Living Smart And Healthy!

    KEYWORD

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    Hi, I'm Jyoti!

    Glad to meet you! Here you will find a variety of recipes ranging from quick and easy weeknight dinners to more complex dishes for special occasions. I love using fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating different cultural influences into my cooking.

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