Grilled Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer: Healthy & Delicious Recipe

Air-fried grilled chicken nuggets are juicy, crispy, and healthier than the usual fried nuggets that we often find tasty. These nuggets are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and they are healthier with reduced calories and oil. Whether you are cooking for the family or prefer some kind of snack or a quick bite, this recipe is perfect for you.

Why Make Grilled Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer?

 Healthier Than Frying

Air frying involves circulating hot air around the food, thus lowering the amount of oil required to fry it. This leads to crispy chicken nuggets made without the unhealthy fats and oils that characterize deep-fried foods. It’s a perfect treat for anyone interested in low-calorie food but still wants a satisfying crunch.

. Quick and Easy

Using the air fryer, you can create grilled chicken nuggets in under 15 minutes. Cooking can also be done on a grill, and again, there is no need to heat the device in advance. Preparation takes little time and effort, and cleanup is even less of an issue.

Ideal for children and grown-ups

Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets? These are better in taste and quality than the ones bought from shops or supermarkets. Moreover, one can season them to one’s own liking. That is, they can fit any meal and can be served with salad, tortilla wraps, or any preferred dipping sauce.

For grilled chicken Nuggets

* Boneless chicken – 500 grams

* Eggs – 3

* Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup

* Seasoning – (to taste)

Seasoning mixture

* Crushed black pepper – 1 tsp

* Garlic powder – 1 tsp

Before starting, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:

– 2 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into pieces.

– 1 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tsp paprika

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 1 tsp onion powder

– ½ tsp black pepper

– Salt to taste

– ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional – to make them crispier)

FULL RECIPE: HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER GRILLED CHICKEN NUGGETS?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes  

Cook Time: 15 minutes  

Total Time: 25 minutes  

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Select 400 °F or 200 °C in your air fryer. Preheating makes sure that the chicken nuggets are well cooked and get a crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Chicken: The first step is to take the chicken breasts and chop them into little pieces, which are convenient for eating. When making the pieces, try to make them as similar to one another as possible so that they will cook uniformly.
3. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, turn all the chicken pieces over in olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir gently until every piece is completely covered with the seasoning.
4. Optional: Add Breadcrumbs or Panko: For more crispiness, the seasoned chicken can be gently coated in breadcrumbs or panko. Some people skip this step, but it really helps give the nuggets a good crunch on the outside.
5. Air Fry the Nuggets: Put the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single tier. Only pack some of your utensils, pans, and dishes together; this might limit even heat distribution. Anyway, it’s recommended to fry them for 8-10 minutes, then turn them over in the oil and fry for an additional 5 minutes. Ensure that the chicken’s internal temperature is up to 165°F ( 75°C).
6. Serve Hot: When they reach your desired color, brown and crispy, you can remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute before serving. You can eat them with your preferred dipping sauce, use them in a salad, or use them as a component of a wrap.

Useful Recommendation on Cooking Delicious Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets

1. Use Fresh Chicken: Ideally, prepare the recipe using fresh chicken breasts to get the best experience. If this recipe is prepared with frozen chicken, it should first be thawed before the seasoning is added.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: However, for uniform cooking, avoid placing the nuggets closely together in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding usually results in soggy foods or poorly cooked nuggets on the outside.

3. Experiment with Seasonings: Of course, you may also add spices such as sweet paprika powder, garlic powder, and onion powder, but try to taste. You can also use oregano, 

thyme, or other seasonings, and of course, you can always use cayenne pepper or chili powder.

4. Check the Temperature: Make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees internal temperature to kill any ingesting germs that may be present.

5. 

Chicken Nuggets and Their Dipping Sauces

Pair your grilled chicken nuggets with these tasty dipping sauces:

Instruction

1. Preheat the Air Frye:r Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Preheating helps the chicken nuggets cook properly and get crispy
2. Prepare the Chicken: Now grab the chicken breasts and trim them into small squares of desired size. It is desirable to make the pieces quite similar in size so that they are cooked at the same rate
3. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture until every piece is coated with this seasoning, until the last piece.
4. Optional: Add Breadcrumbs or Panko: For extra crispiness, dip the seasoned chicken once more in breadcrumbs or panko. This step may be skipped, but it results in a crunchier bite of the nuggets.
5. Air Fry the Nuggets: Layer the chicken nuggets on the frying basket, not overcrowding it. Do not populate more than one rack; this can hinder the proper browning of the food. Being frozen, they usually take 8 to 10 minutes to cook, after Which you need to turn them over and cook them for 5 minutes more. Make certain that the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit/75 degrees Celsius.
6. Serve Hot: When the nuggets turn crispy and golden brown, remove them from the Air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. They are best eaten with your preferred dipping sauce or included in salad bowls or sandwich wraps.

Useful Recommendations to Make The Best Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets

1. Use Fresh Chicken: To be more effective in this process, use fresh chicken breasts. If you are using frozen chicken, ensure that it is defrosted before seasoning it.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking, it is recommended that the nuggets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding may result in soggy or uncooked nuggets.
4. Experiment with Seasonings: Substituting other spices for paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder is also possible, and you can make new combinations. You can add extra garlic and healthy herbs such as oregano or thyme or replace them with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
5. Check the Temperature: Make sure the chicken reaches the right internal temperature of 165°F so that it is not undercooked and not recommended for consumption.

Ideal Dipping Companions for Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Pair your grilled chicken nuggets with these tasty dipping sauces:

Classic Ketchup Always a favorite.

Honey Mustard A sweet and tangy option that pairs well with grilled flavors.

Ranch Dressing Creamy and cool, perfect for a crunchy nugget.

Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and sweet, ideal for those who enjoy a deeper flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 220 kcal

Protein: 28g

Fat 9g

Carbohydrates 6g (varies if using breadcrumbs)

Fiber 1g

Sodium: 400mg (depending on salt and seasonings used)

Health Benefits of Grilled Chicken Nuggets

1. High Protein Content

Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein. They provide the necessary protein for muscle growth and repair while reducing fat intake.

2. Low in Calories

Air-fried chicken nuggets have fewer calories than deep-fried chicken nuggets, making them a healthier option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

3. Versatile Meal Option

Grilled chicken nuggets are versatile and can be paired with various side dishes, from salads to veggies, or even eaten alone as a snack. They are an easy way to add protein to your diet without much prep work.

FAQs About Grilled Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Can I Make These Nuggets Without Oil?

Yes! You can skip the olive oil if you want an oil-free version. However, the oil helps the seasoning stick and gives the nuggets a slightly crispier texture.

Can I Freeze Leftover Nuggets?

Absolutely! Allow the nuggets to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes until warm and crisp.

What Other Cuts of Chicken Can I Use?

While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for juicier nuggets. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces, but the process is the same.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. The nuggets will still be delicious and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Grilled chicken nuggets made in the air fryer are a healthy and easy alternative to fried versions. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a protein-packed snack. With minimal ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets that everyone in your family will enjoy. Try this recipe, and it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Enjoy your guilt-free, crispy grilled chicken nuggets!