Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Breading
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs, toasted or regular
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pinches dried parsley
Instructions
- Cut Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized nuggets perfect for even cooking.
- Mix Chicken and Egg: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the lightly beaten egg, salt, and black pepper, mixing until well coated.
- Coat with Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the coated chicken, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Set aside to help the breading stick.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried parsley for a flavorful crust.
- Optional Step for Parmesan: If using coarsely shredded parmesan, briefly pulse it in a food processor or grinder to achieve a finer, more uniform coating.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly on all sides to ensure an even, thick coating. Place coated nuggets on a large plate.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispness and cooking.
- Air Fry Nuggets: Place half of the nuggets in the air fryer basket spaced evenly. Spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Repeat Cooking: Transfer cooked nuggets to a plate, then air fry the remaining nuggets using the same method.
- Serve: Serve the chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- Toasted or Untoasted Panko: Plain panko delivers a classic golden color when air fried, while toasted panko provides a deeper golden brown and even crunchier texture. Both yield great results.
- How to Toast Panko: Toss 1 ½ cups panko with 1 tablespoon oil in a moderately hot skillet, stirring constantly until golden. Cool before using to prevent sogginess.
- Press Bread Crumbs Well: Firmly pressing the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken ensures better adhesion and a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use finely shredded parmesan for best coating. If using coarse pre-shredded cheese, process it briefly to improve texture and uniformity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
