Air fryer golden butter chicken nuggets
Air Fryer Golden Butter Chicken Nuggets are a healthier twist on traditional nuggets, featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, enhanced by fresh thyme. Serve them with a tangy BBQ and sour cream dip for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 45 min
Ingredients:
1 cup bread crumbs3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh thyme
2/3 cup butter
1 lb chicken breasts
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
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.
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.
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.
Air fryer golden butter chicken nuggets FAQ:
Air fry the chicken nuggets at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Check that the internal temperature of the nuggets reaches 165°F (75°C). The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
If you don't have fresh thyme, you can substitute it with dried thyme. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme as it is more concentrated.
Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
Yes, you can use other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar, but note that this may change the flavor and texture of the nuggets.
Cooking 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.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 640kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 1.60g
Sugar 5g
Fat 44g
More recipes
Rum and maple steak with fries
Enjoy Rum and Maple Steak with crispy fries for a rich meal.
13 Dec 2025Buckwheat apple and cinnamon pikelets
Nutty buckwheat pikelets with apple and cinnamon flavor.
21 Nov 2025Peanut butter banana smoothie
A creamy peanut butter banana smoothie packed with nutrients.
31 Dec 2025Cinnamon raisin peanut butter oatmeal
Enjoy a warm bowl of cinnamon raisin peanut butter oatmeal.
09 Dec 2025