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Ultimate Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Oven-Baked & Air Fryer Friendly)

A pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate, one broken open showing the white interior.
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Make the best homemade chicken nuggets that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This recipe works perfectly for oven baking or air frying, offering a quick, family-friendly dinner solution.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Do not over-process; you want texture, not paste.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: Place flour in a shallow dish. In a second dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This breading mix creates the best breading for chicken nuggets.
  3. Coat the chicken: Take a piece of ground chicken and form it into a small nugget shape. Dredge the nugget first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.
  4. For extra crispiness (optional but recommended): Dip the breaded nugget back into the egg wash briefly, then coat again in the breadcrumbs. This double-dip technique helps achieve superior crunch.
  5. Cook the nuggets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  6. Oven Method: Arrange nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray generously with cooking spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  7. Air Fryer Method: Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a quick weeknight chicken meal.

Notes

  • For a healthier version using ground chicken, ensure the mixture is well-chilled before forming the nuggets.
  • These homemade chicken nuggets freeze well. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
  • To mimic a copycat chicken nuggets taste, add a pinch of celery salt to the breading mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-crispy-recipe/