Make ultra-crispy chicken nuggets at home using an air fryer or oven, served with a simple, creamy garlic dipping sauce.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Air Frying or Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder (for breading)
Cooking spray or oil for coating
For the Garlic Dip:
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Place the flour, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
Dredge the chicken: Take one piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure full coverage. Repeat for all pieces.
Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded nuggets with cooking spray or oil. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Cook the nuggets (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Make the Garlic Dip: While the nuggets cook, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
Serve immediately with the fresh garlic dip.
Notes
For extra crispiness in the oven, ensure the nuggets are not touching on the baking sheet.
Use chicken tenderloins instead of breast meat for a slightly more tender result.
You can substitute half the panko with crushed cornflakes for added crunch.