Ground Chicken Airfryer Recipe

There’s something timeless about chicken nuggets. Whether you’re six or sixty, there’s just something joyful about biting into that golden, crispy coating and getting a taste of that juicy, seasoned center. This ground chicken airfryer recipe for crispy golden chicken nuggets has quickly become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when we want something satisfying, a little nostalgic, but still on the healthier side.

I started making these nuggets when my youngest went through that picky-eating phase. Anything in nugget form was a win, and I was determined to come up with a version that didn’t come out of a freezer bag. After some experimenting with seasoning and texture, I landed on this version. It’s packed with flavor, air-fried to golden perfection, and honestly just really fun to make.

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Ingredients Needed For Ground Chicken Airfryer Recipe

These air fryer chicken nuggets are simple, wholesome, and come together with just a few pantry staples. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why each ingredient matters:

For the Nuggets:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground chicken
  Lean ground chicken forms the base of these nuggets. It’s mild in flavor and perfect for soaking up all the seasonings.
• ¼ cup (29g) grated parmesan cheese
  Adds umami and a light saltiness, helping to keep the nuggets moist while giving them a savory edge.
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  Brings warmth and depth without the bite of fresh garlic.
• ½ tsp paprika
  Adds a subtle smokiness and just a hint of color.
• ½ tsp onion powder
  Gives a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that balances the rest of the seasonings.
• ½ tsp dried parsley
  For a pop of herby flavor and visual appeal.
• ¾ tsp salt
  Essential for seasoning the meat—ground chicken needs it to bring the flavors to life.
• 1 whole egg
  Acts as a binder, keeping everything together and helping the nuggets hold their shape during cooking.
• Cooking spray
  A light spritz before air frying helps the coating get that crispy, golden finish.

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup (29g) grated parmesan cheese
  Yes, more parmesan. This time for the outside, where it helps the nuggets crisp up without needing breadcrumbs.
• 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
  Creates that slightly crunchy exterior and helps the cheese stick evenly.
• ½ tsp paprika
  Adds a little warmth and helps give the nuggets that classic golden tone.
• ½ tsp dried parsley
  Again, for flavor and flecks of color on the coating.

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Step-by-Step Instructions To Make This Ground Chicken Airfryer Recipe

Here’s exactly how to make these ground chicken nuggets in the air fryer no guesswork needed. Each step includes little tips to help you get the best result.

1. Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most models take just a few minutes to warm up—this ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior right from the start.

2. Make the nugget mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground chicken
• Parmesan
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Egg

Use clean hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is evenly distributed. Don’t overwork it—just mix until combined.

Tip: If your mixture feels too sticky to shape, you can chill it for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

3. Prepare the coating

In a small shallow bowl, stir together:

• Parmesan
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Dried parsley

This dry mix will give the nuggets a golden, crisp finish in the air fryer.

4. Shape and coat the nuggets

Scoop out small portions of the chicken mixture—about a tablespoon each—and roll them into nugget-sized pieces. Flatten them slightly to help them cook evenly.

Press each nugget into the parmesan coating mixture, making sure both sides are covered.

5. Arrange in air fryer basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the nuggets in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.

Give the tops of the nuggets a light spritz of cooking spray too. This helps with browning.

6. Air fry

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The nuggets should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Tip: If you like your nuggets extra crispy, let them go an extra minute or two at the end—but keep an eye on them.

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Why These Nuggets Are Worth Making

These air fryer ground chicken nuggets check all the boxes:

• Healthier option compared to store-bought or deep-fried versions.
• Made with real, whole ingredients. No preservatives, no mystery meat.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly. Make a double batch and stash some away.
• Lower in carbs thanks to the parmesan and cornstarch coating instead of breadcrumbs.
• High in protein and naturally gluten-free (just check your parmesan if avoiding gluten fully).

Tasty Variations and Add-Ons

Once you get comfortable with the base recipe, there are plenty of ways to customize these nuggets:

Cheesy Herb Nuggets

Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mix for extra melty goodness. It’ll make the center super flavorful and kid-approved.

Spicy Kick

Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground chicken mixture if you like heat.

Italian-Style

Swap the dried parsley for ½ tsp Italian seasoning and serve the nuggets with a warm side of marinara for dipping.

Hidden Veggie Boost

Finely grate ¼ cup zucchini or carrot and mix it into the chicken mixture. A great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without changing the flavor.

When adding extras, keep the nugget size a bit smaller and watch the cooking time—it may vary by a minute or two.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These nuggets are fantastic for meal prep:

• Make ahead: You can shape and coat the nuggets up to 1 day in advance. Store them in the fridge on a tray covered in plastic wrap.
• Freeze before cooking: Arrange shaped, coated nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. Air fry directly from frozen at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
• Leftovers: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp them up again. They taste just as good the next day—sometimes better.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets pair well with just about anything. Some of our go-to options:

• A simple green salad or veggie sticks for a light lunch
• Sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes for a heartier plate
• Homemade dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or ranch

They also work great as part of a kids’ lunchbox. I often tuck a few in next to fruit and crackers, and there’s never a crumb left behind.

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Whether you’re feeding little ones, prepping quick lunches, or just craving something crispy and satisfying, these ground chicken nuggets in the air fryer are a must-try. They’re simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, plus, you get all the comfort of classic nuggets without the heaviness of fast food.

This is one of those recipes that quietly becomes part of your regular rotation. It doesn’t take much, but it delivers big. And once you make them, don’t be surprised if they start disappearing faster than you can make them.