Air Fryer Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with Veggies at the Table

There’s nothing quite like biting into golden, crackly from-scratch Chicken Nuggets—especially when they’re from-scratch and air fried! These air fryer chicken nuggets are juicy, flavorful, and have that satisfying crunch in every bite.

What are Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets?

From-scratch chicken nuggets are exactly what they sound like—bite-sized pieces of seasoned ground chicken that are breaded and cooked until crackly. But don’t let the simplicity fool you! These nuggets are layered with flavor, thanks to savory spices, fresh herbs, and a clever blend of ingredients that keep them tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Unlike fast food versions, you control everything that goes in, which means no mystery meat or fillers—just real, wholesome ingredients.

What makes these nuggets extra special is the addition of red onion and cooked potato, which adds both moisture and a subtle sweetness that pairs so well with the savory chicken and spices. Once they’re coated in airy Japanese breadcrumbs and crisped up in the air fryer, you’re left with chicken nuggets that taste nostalgic but way better than anything from a drive-thru. Whether you’re making them for kids or serving them as a grown-up snack, they disappear fast!

Ingredients to make homemade chicken nuggets.

Ingredients You Need

Chicken – We definitely recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they absorb the seasoning perfectly and hold their shape well when ground and air-fried.
Red Onion – This adds a slightly sweet, tangy bite that gives the nuggets a little pop of flavor in every bite.
Cooked Potato – We love using a potato in this recipe because it keeps the chicken mixture super tender without making it mushy or wet.
Cornstarch – This is the secret to a crackly outside—it helps the nuggets get that golden, crunchy finish when air fried.
Paprika – We add this spice to bring a smoky warmth and a subtle earthiness that rounds out the seasoning blend.
Dried Oregano – This adds a touch of herbal flavor that brightens the nuggets and pairs perfectly with the other seasonings.
Kosher Salt – We love using kosher salt for its clean, even flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
Black Pepper – This adds just a little heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh Italian Parsley – This fresh herb adds a pop of color and a mild, grassy flavor that livens up the chicken mixture.
Japanese Bread Crumbs – These are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, which makes them reliable for a crunchy coating that doesn’t feel heavy.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients to make chicken nuggets in a food processor.

A chicken nugget mixture in a food processor.

Blend the mixture. Place the chicken, red onion, and cooked potato into a food processor. Add the cornstarch, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley on top.
Pulse everything together. Use short pulses to blend the ingredients until the mixture is uniform. You’re looking for a smooth consistency that still has some texture—don’t overmix.
Shape your nuggets. Scoop out the chicken mixture and use your hands to shape it into nugget-sized pieces. A small cookie scoop helps keep them all the same size.
Coat with breadcrumbs. Gently press each nugget into the Japanese breadcrumbs, making sure each one is coated evenly.
Air fry until golden. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry until the outside is crackly and golden and the inside is fully cooked through. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking
Let them rest. Once cooked, let the nuggets cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps keep that crackly texture intact!

Variations

Swap the Potato – Use cooked sweet potato instead for a hint of sweetness and a slightly softer texture.
Spices – Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the spice blend for a little heat.
Meat – If you’re out of chicken, ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe and still gets nice and juicy.
Cheese – Mix in a little grated Parmesan to the chicken mixture for a salty, nutty flavor boost.
Veggies – Toss in some finely grated zucchini or carrot for a veggie-packed version (just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture first).
Sauces – Pair with honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even a yogurt-based ranch.

Raw chicken nuggets in an air fryer basket.

Can I Store Leftovers?

If you store these nuggets, make sure they cool completely first—otherwise, they’ll steam and lose their crunch.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the cooked nuggets in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container for up to 2 months.

Common Questions about From-scratch Chicken Nuggets

How do you get from-scratch nuggets crackly in the air fryer?

The key is using Japanese breadcrumbs and not overcrowding the basket. Give them space to get crackly and golden on all sides!

Can I bake them instead of air frying?

You can! They won’t get quite as crackly, but baking still works. Just flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and bread the nuggets, then refrigerate them for up to a day before air frying.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just make sure to air fry in batches so the nuggets stay crackly and don’t steam!

More Air Fryer Recipes

There are few things we like more than a recipe that comes together quickly and easily, and the air fryer always makes that happen! Check out more of our go-to air-fried dishes!

Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes

Air Fryer Nutella French Toast Sticks

Simple Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Shrimp

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 40 mins

These from-scratch baked chicken nuggets are simple and tasty! Great for kids AND adults! Email

Ingredients

1 pound skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 small red onion or 1/2 large onion
1 small cooked russet potato
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt to taste
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
1 cup Japanese bread crumbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Place 2 large chicken breasts in a food processor. Next, add the cooked potato, and red onion to the food processor. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, paprika, oregano and starch, and place the parsley on top. 1 pound skinless and boneless chicken breasts, 1 small red onion, 1 small cooked russet potato, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are thoroughly combined.
Remove the chicken mixture from the food processor, and form into little nuggets. Each nugget will be about a heaping tablespoon.
Pour the panko bread crumbs onto a plate.1 cup Japanese bread crumbs
Roll the raw chicken nuggets in the panko bread crumbs and place on a baking sheet.
Arrange the chicken nuggets in an even layer on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip, and continue to cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown and chicken is cooked through!
Serve with ketchup or your go-to condiments!

Equipment

Cuisinart DLC-8SBCY Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Chrome

1 Food processor Crate & Barrel Silver Baking Sheets, Set of 2

1 Baking sheet

Notes

Air Fryer Option:Preheat the air fryer to 385°F (140°C). Combine and shape the nuggets as usual. Then, working in batches, arrange them in an even layer in a greased air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes or until completely cooked, flipping halfway through.