Restaurant-Style Chicken Nuggets

Indulge in the nostalgia of your favorite childhood treat with these Restaurant-Style Chicken Nuggets. Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these nuggets are a homemade rendition of a classic favorite that’s loved by people of all ages. In just 20 minutes, you can recreate the taste and texture of restaurant-quality chicken nuggets right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, a game-day snack, or a fun appetizer for a party, these chicken nuggets are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer by selecting the “Air Fry” function and adjusting the temperature to 350 degrees F. Press the “Start” key to begin the preheating process. While the air fryer heats up, grease the air fryer oven perforated pan with a light coating of olive oil.
2. Begin by patting the chicken breast slices dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the coating adheres well and results in crispy nuggets.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they become pale and frothy. Gradually add the plain flour, smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk until a smooth batter forms.
4. Add the chicken breast slices to the bowl with the batter, tossing them gently to ensure that each piece is well coated on all sides. This batter is the key to creating a flavorful and crispy coating for the nuggets.
5. In another shallow bowl, place the crushed tortilla chips. The tortilla chip coating adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor to the nuggets.
6. Roll each battered chicken piece over the crushed tortilla chips until they are evenly coated. The combination of the batter and the tortilla chip crust creates a textural contrast that’s simply irresistible.
7. Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer oven perforated pan. Arrange them in a single layer to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
8. Air fry the chicken nuggets for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. The air fryer’s hot circulating air ensures that the nuggets cook evenly and retain their juicy interior.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 321
• Fat: 12.4g
• Carbs: 24.6g
• Protein: 25.6g
• Sugars: 0.7g
• Fiber: 1g

The joy of sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken nugget is unparalleled, and with this Restaurant-Style Chicken Nuggets recipe, you can relive that delight anytime you please. These homemade nuggets capture the essence of the classic fast-food favorite, but with the added benefit of controlling the ingredients and cooking method. The combination of a seasoned batter, a tortilla chip crust, and the air fryer’s magic results in nuggets that are irresistibly golden and oh-so-satisfying.

What sets these chicken nuggets apart is the thoughtful incorporation of seasonings like smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices infuse each bite with layers of complexity that elevate the flavor profile to gourmet status. The tortilla chip coating not only adds a crunch but also brings a hint of saltiness that beautifully complements the succulent chicken inside.

As you bite into these nuggets, you’ll appreciate the tender and juicy chicken that’s perfectly encased in a crispy and flavorful shell. The air fryer’s ability to cook food evenly and with minimal oil ensures that you get the ideal texture without the excess grease.

Whether you’re enjoying these nuggets as a satisfying weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a gathering, or even a fun snack during movie night, they’re bound to evoke feelings of comfort and joy. By creating your own restaurant-style chicken nuggets, you’re not only treating yourself to a beloved classic but also taking pride in the quality and care put into each bite.

In just 20 minutes, you can create a batch of these delectable nuggets that are sure to put smiles on the faces of everyone around the table. So, why wait? Dive into the world of homemade goodness with these Restaurant-Style Chicken Nuggets and experience the joy of classic flavors done right.