Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are quick and easy to make with only three ingredients! They’re ready in less than 15 minutes and are made with a secret ingredient that makes them super flavorful and juicy. You’ll never want frozen nuggets again!
For more easy Air Fryer Recipes, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Steak Bites, Meatloaf in the Air Fryer, and Air Fryer Fish Tacos.
Homemade chicken nuggets are one of my kids’ favorite meals, and I love them too because they are SUPER easy to make.
Don’t get me wrong, we love frozen chicken nuggets around here, too. Especially dino shaped ones!
But like almost everything, homemade is always better. Especially when you make these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with my secret ingredient: Ranch dressing!
This recipe is also perfect for using up leftover chicken breasts. Sometimes I end up with just one or two left over from something else I’ve cooked, and this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets is the perfect solution for putting them to good use. You could also try making Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders for another easy dinner!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Only three ingredients. Yes, just three!
- Ready in under 15 minutes. From start to finish, you’ll have homemade chicken nuggets ready in no time.
- Super juicy and flavorful. Ranch dressing is used to coat the chicken before it gets tossed in seasoned bread crumbs. The results are delicious!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ranch dressing
- seasoned bread crumbs
How to Cook Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer – Step by Step
A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Coat chicken
Coat the chicken in ranch dressing, then toss in the bread crumbs making sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Air fry
Air fry your chicken nuggets for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips and Notes
- Don’t crowd the basket. Make sure to leave some room around your homemade chicken nuggets so that the pieces can cook evenly and get crispy. You might need to cook your nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer. I like to preheat my air fryer for a few minutes before adding the food.
- Don’t overcook your chicken. All air fryers (like conventional ovens) cook differently and some cook hotter than others. Begin checking your chicken a few minutes early to ensure that you don’t overcook your nuggets.
- Storing and reheating: Any leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can place your prepared chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat them for a couple of minutes in the microwave.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, or chicken tenders for making Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. All measurements and instructions remain the same.
What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
You can use whatever brand of prepared, bottled ranch dressing is your favorite. We like Marie’s Ranch Dressing and Litehouse Ranch Dressing which you can usually find in the refrigerated produce section of the grocery store.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes You Should Try!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken and ranch dressing, tossing until the chicken is well coated.
- Pour the bread crumbs into a separate mixing bowl. Toss the chicken nuggets into the bread crumbs a few at a time, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Place the chicken nuggets into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. You might need to do a few batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 8-9 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through to ensure they are evenly cooked.
- Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t crowd the basket. Make sure to leave some room around your homemade chicken nuggets so that the pieces can cook evenly and get crispy. You might need to cook your nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer. I like to preheat my air fryer for a few minutes before adding the food.
- Don’t overcook your chicken. All air fryers (like conventional ovens) cook differently and some cook hotter than others. Begin checking your chicken a few minutes early to ensure that you don’t overcook your nuggets.
- Storing and reheating: Any leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can place your prepared chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat them for a couple of minutes in the microwave.
I wanted a healtheir nugget option for my boys and this one came out great! They loved them. Such a fabulous use of air fryer.
I am definitely trying these – I recently bought an air fryer and I’m OBSESSED! Thanks for sharing!
These chicken nuggets come out super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So easy to make too!