Name: High Protein Air Fried Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 0.2 tsp Salt; Pepper; Cooking spray

High Protein Air Fried Chicken Nuggets cover

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High Protein Air Fried Chicken Nuggets

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cut chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces.

Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.

Place coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.

Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray.

Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Bite Tutorial

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

1
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All Reviews
5.0

David Ashmore

Great meal for a quick week night dinner when you don’t feel like cooking. From start to finish took me about 20 minutes with most of that being spent on cooking. Who doesn’t love nuggets!!!

Dec 8, 2025

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Pound Chicken Evenly 🔨
Gently pound chicken tenderloins to uniform ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent crispy coating throughout all nuggets.
Double-Dredge Technique ✨
Dip chicken in a wet mixture (egg whites or Greek yogurt) first, then coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat the wet-dry process for an extra-crispy, golden exterior that rivals deep-fried versions.
Dry Chicken Before Coating 💧
Pat chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels after cutting to remove excess moisture, allowing the breadcrumb coating to adhere better and crisp up faster in the air fryer.
Strategic Seasoning Blend 🧂
Toast your spices (paprika, garlic, onion powder) in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing into breadcrumbs to intensify flavors and add depth to the coating.
Single-Layer Spacing Method 🌬️
Arrange nuggets in a single layer with at least ½-inch gaps between pieces to allow air circulation around each nugget, maximizing crispiness and even browning at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.