Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders or breasts
- Mayonnaise
- Shake ‘n Bake Extra Crispy (or any preferred breading)
- Pickle juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken tenders or breasts into the desired nugget-sized pieces.
- Place the raw chicken pieces in a zip-lock bag.
- Add a scoop and a half of mayonnaise to the bag, ensuring the mayo coats all the chicken pieces.
- Optionally, marinate the chicken in pickle juice for a few hours before cooking to add a tangy flavor.
- Seal the bag and shake it to evenly distribute the mayonnaise and pickle juice (if used).
- Open the bag and add Shake ‘n Bake Extra Crispy or your preferred breading. Seal the bag again and shake to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, making sure to flip or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once they are cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve your delicious air fryer chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
tips :
1. Dipping Sauces: Serve your chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch dressing. You can also make your own sauces for a more personalized touch.
2. Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or spices in your breading mix. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even some grated Parmesan cheese can add extra flavor to the coating.
3. Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking. It’s a good practice to let your air fryer heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken nuggets.
5. Side Dishes: Chicken nuggets go well with a variety of side dishes. Consider pairing them with french fries, a simple salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Freezing: You can make a large batch of these nuggets and freeze them for later. Once they are cooked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy.
7. Healthier Options: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use skinless, boneless chicken and opt for whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-fat coating.
8. Spicy Twist: If you enjoy some heat, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mix for a spicy kick.
Feel free to get creative with your air fryer chicken nuggets, and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Enjoy your culinary experiments!
