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Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets: Easy Oven Baked or Air Fryer Recipe

A pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken nuggets stacked on a white plate, one nugget is broken open showing the white meat inside.
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Make the best homemade chicken nuggets from scratch. This easy recipe yields tender, juicy chicken bites with a perfectly crispy coating, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family favorite meal. Choose to bake or air fry for a healthier, no-fry option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or ground chicken
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Oil spray (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

  1. If using chicken breast, cut the chicken into uniform nugget shapes, about 1 inch thick. If using ground chicken, form the mixture into nugget shapes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for tender, juicy chicken.
  3. Prepare the breading station. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg/buttermilk mixture (optional second dip for thicker coating), and finally coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an air fryer basket.
  6. Place the breaded nuggets on the prepared sheet or basket. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking oil spray to help them brown and crisp up.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). If air frying, cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  8. Serve your crispy homemade chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a copycat version similar to fast food, finely chop the chicken breast instead of cubing it, or use ground chicken.
  • You can make a large batch ahead of time. Freeze the breaded, uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep and makes great school lunch additions.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe-easy-crispy/