Homemade Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Name: Homemade Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 egg; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt

So yesterday, Alex came home from practice with a huge appetite, and I knew I had to whip up something quick. Enter Air Fry Chicken Nuggets—a lifesaver that keeps both Alex and Sarah happy. These nuggets are not just a hit with my kids; even Donald can’t resist grabbing a few before dinner officially starts. Made with real ingredients, they're perfect for any occasion, and the best part? They cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. Check out our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a sweet treat after!

Jump to:

Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Homemade Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Why you’ll love this recipe

Not only are these Air Fry Chicken Nuggets incredibly easy to make, but they’re also healthier than the store-bought version. I love how there’s minimal cleanup involved—a dream for any busy NYC mom. Plus, they bring everyone around the kitchen table without any fuss.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients gently with your hands.
Shape the mixture into small oval nugget shapes.
When the air fryer has come to temperature, spray the inside with cooking spray.
Arrange the nuggets in the basket so they are not touching. You may have to do this in batches.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the nuggets from the air fryer.
Serve hot with your favorite sauces.

Recipe tips & variations

Here’s a tip: if you have picky eaters, you can sneak in some finely chopped spinach or carrots. It adds nutrients without changing the taste. For a little adventure, try adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat—Donald loves that twist.

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. They come out crispy and fresh every single time.

FAQs

How do you keep homemade air fryer chicken nuggets from falling apart?

Mixing the ingredients gently helps bind everything together, and cooking them without overcrowding the basket keeps them intact and evenly cooked.

Can you make these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! After forming the nuggets, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, air fry directly from frozen until they’re heated through.

How long does it take to cook homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer?

These nuggets cook up in a quick 10 minutes, making meal prep speedy and stress-free.

Can you use canned chicken instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

While you can, ground chicken offers a better texture. If using canned, ensure it’s well-drained and possibly adjust the binding with a bit more cheese or an additional egg.

Recipes you may like

If you love these nuggets, you'll also enjoy our Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost or the refreshing Pineapple Green Smoothie. Each one is a quick treat that complements any mealtime!