Extra CRISPY, CRUNCHY Easy Chicken Nuggets. No Bad Ingredients. (Better Than Drive Thru!)

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Chicken (preferably 93% lean, fresh)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs; panko can be used for extra crunch)
• 2 Egg (large, separated – whites and yolks used separately)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 teaspoon Pam's Prep All‑Purpose Seasoning (or any salt‑free seasoning blend; can add Fiery Hot for heat)
• ½ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 sprays Cooking Spray (for air fryer basket; any neutral oil spray works)

Instructions

1. Separate Eggs

   Crack two large eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Place the whites in a medium mixing bowl and set the yolks aside.

   Time: PT2M

2. Season Egg Whites

   Add 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Pam's Prep All‑Purpose seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to the egg whites. Whisk vigorously until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

3. Process Chicken with Yolks

   In the food processor, combine 1 lb ground chicken, the two egg yolks, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth, slightly sticky paste.

   Time: PT5M

4. Form Nugget Patties

   With clean, lightly dampened hands, scoop about 1‑inch portions of the chicken paste (using a cookie scoop or tablespoon) and roll into balls or bite‑size patties.

   Time: PT10M

5. Coat Nuggets

   Dip each patty first into the seasoned egg‑white mixture, ensuring full coverage, then roll in 1 cup breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.

   Time: PT15M

6. Chill Nuggets

   Arrange the coated nuggets on a parchment‑lined baking tray, spacing them apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

   Time: PT30M

7. Preheat Air Fryer

   Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Air Fry First Batch

   Place up to 8 nuggets in the air‑fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

9. Flip and Finish Cooking

   Open the fryer, flip each nugget, spray again, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

10. Repeat for Remaining Nuggets

    While the first batch rests on a plate, return the next batch to the fridge, then repeat steps 8‑9 until all nuggets are cooked.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

11. Serve

    Serve the hot, crispy nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., barbecue, honey mustard).

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

1 g