Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer or Oven!)

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1 pound total, cut into bite‑size nuggets)
• 1 cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs (store‑bought or homemade with herbs and salt)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tsp Dried Basil (optional, adds herb flavor)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (optional, adds herb flavor)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 Tbsp Melted Butter (use unsalted, melted; can substitute with olive oil for dairy‑free)
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for spicy version)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken

   Trim any fat from the chicken breasts, then cut into bite‑size nugget pieces (about 1‑inch cubes).

   Time: PT5M

2. Make Coating Mix

   In a mixing bowl combine seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

   Time: PT5M

3. Melt Butter

   Microwave or melt butter in a small bowl until fully liquid.

   Time: PT2M

4. Coat Nuggets

   Using tongs, dip each chicken piece first into the melted butter, letting excess drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place coated nuggets on a parchment‑lined baking sheet in a single layer.

   Time: PT10M

5. Bake (Oven Method)

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the nuggets for 10 minutes, flip them, then bake another 10 minutes until golden and crisp.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Air Fry (Optional)

   If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F and cook nuggets in a single layer for 5 minutes, shake the basket, then cook another 5 minutes until crisp.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 400°F

7. Serve

   Remove nuggets, let cool 2 minutes, then serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

10g

Carbohydrates

8g

Fat

8g

Fiber

0.5g