Air fryer golden butter chicken nuggets
Discover the ultimate recipe for Air Fryer Golden Butter Chicken Nuggets! These crispy bites are made with tender chicken breasts, buttery bread crumbs, and flavorful parmesan cheese, all enhanced with fresh thyme. Enjoy a tantalizing blend of BBQ sauce and sour cream for the perfect dipping duo. Ideal for a quick, delicious meal or snack!
- 08 Jun 2025
- Cook time 25 min
- Prep time 45 min
- 4 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
Air Fryer Golden Butter Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets. Made with tender chicken breast pieces coated in a golden mixture of seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, these nuggets are cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. This recipe combines the savory flavors of fresh thyme, Parmesan, and butter with a subtle tang from BBQ sauce and sour cream, making it a family-friendly dish that's sure to please.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh thyme. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, melt the 2/3 cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly so it's still liquid but not too hot.
- Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in size each. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the butter-coated chicken pieces in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken nuggets for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy.**
- Check one nugget to make sure it's cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the nuggets are cooking, mix the BBQ sauce and sour cream together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the chicken nuggets are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Serve warm with the BBQ-sour cream dipping sauce on the side.
Tips:
- For the best results, ensure that the chicken breast pieces are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the nuggets to make sure they cook evenly.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If you like extra crispy nuggets, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs in the bread crumb mixture to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the nuggets immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Golden Butter Chicken Nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, or serve them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Not only are these nuggets bursting with flavor, but they're also much lower in fat than traditional fried versions, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer, these nuggets are bound to become a favorite in your household.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 230 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 640kcal | 32% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 33g | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 22g | 6% |
| Fiber 1.60g | 4% |
| Sugar 5g | 5% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 44g | 52% |
| Saturated 22g | 77% |
| Cholesterol 200mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 360ug | 40% |
| Choline 110mg | 20% |
| Vitamin B1 0.34mg | 28% |
| Vitamin B2 0.40mg | 30% |
| Vitamin B3 12mg | 78% |
| Vitamin B6 0.98mg | 57% |
| Vitamin B9 40ug | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 0.58ug | 24% |
| Vitamin C 0.30mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E 0.90mg | 6% |
| Vitamin K 4.89ug | 4% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 230mg | 18% |
| Copper, Cu 0.12mg | 13% |
| Iron, Fe 1.66mg | 15% |
| Magnesium, Mg 50mg | 12% |
| Phosphorus, P 400mg | 32% |
| Potassium, K 530mg | 16% |
| Selenium, Se 36ug | 69% |
| Sodium, Na 570mg | 38% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.88mg | 17% |
| Water | |
| Water 120g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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