Overview
The Perfect Blend of Crunch and Flavor
These air fryer chicken nuggets are a game-changer for anyone craving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. Using the air fryer creates that irresistible golden-brown crust without the excess oil of traditional deep frying. The secret of air fryer chicken nuggets lies in our unique Asian-inspired panko coating, enhanced with sesame seeds and aromatic spices that elevate these air fryer chicken nuggets far beyond the ordinary.
A Wholesome Twist on a Classic
What sets these air fryer chicken nuggets apart is our commitment to quality ingredients. We use fresh chicken breast, cut into perfectly sized pieces, and coat them in a specially seasoned mixture that includes traditional Japanese panko breadcrumbs, creating that signature crunch that everyone loves. The addition of sesame seeds, garlic powder, and a hint of five-spice powder brings an unexpected but delightful Asian fusion twist to this air fryer chicken nuggets.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, assembling a game day spread, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these air fryer chicken nuggets are your answer. They’re versatile enough to please both kids and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining. Serve them with our homemade honey-sriracha dipping sauce for an extra special touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Card
Honey Sriracha Glaze Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- Air fryer (3.5 quart or larger)
- Mixing bowls (3 medium-sized)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Honey-Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Cut into 1.5-inch uniform pieces.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: Combine eggs, milk, and soy sauce.
- Bowl 2: Mix panko, sesame seeds, and all seasonings.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Bread the Nuggets:
- Dip each chicken piece in egg mixture.
- Coat thoroughly in panko mixture.
- Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Let rest for 5 minutes to set coating.
4. Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange nuggets in single layer, not touching.
- Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook 6-7 minutes, flip, then 5-6 minutes more.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Let sit for flavors to meld while nuggets cook.
Making Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Bread nuggets up to 4 hours in advance, store covered in refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep leftover air fryer chicken nuggets in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: Store uncooked breaded nuggets for up to 2 months; cooked nuggets for up to 1 month.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
- Double-coating technique: For extra crunch, repeat the breading process.
- Let breaded nuggets rest before air frying for better coating adhesion.
- Spray with oil just before cooking for optimal browning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure proper cooking.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve on a bed of shredded cabbage with lime wedges.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds.
- Arrange nuggets in a spiral pattern with sauce in center.
- Include colorful vegetable sides like carrot sticks or cucumber slices.
- Serve sauce in small individual dipping bowls.
Nutritional Insights Per Serving
These air fryer chicken nuggets offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions while maintaining the satisfying crunch we all love. Each serving provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, with the added benefit of heart-healthy sesame seeds and reduced fat content thanks to the air frying method.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
A: Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well but may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Q: How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
A: Let the breaded nuggets rest for 5 minutes before cooking and ensure your air fryer is preheated properly.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute regular panko with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Q: Why aren’t my nuggets as crispy as expected?
A: Make sure not to overcrowd the basket and spray with oil before cooking for optimal crispiness.
Q: Can I skip the sesame seeds?
A: Yes, though they add nice texture and flavor. You can substitute with crushed nuts or additional panko.
Pair Honey Sriracha Glaze Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with Irresistible Smoked Queso, Tuscan Garden Ditalini Pasta, Homemade Greek Yogurt Sauce for mouthwatering feasts full of bold flavors!
If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions about the honey sriracha glaze air fryer chicken nuggets recipe, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Don’t hesitate to join the conversation – we can’t wait to hear from you!
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