Crispy Asian style air fryer chicken nuggets
These delicious easy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are easy to make (they do need some time for marinating) and make a perfect snack or use them as part of a meal.
Chicken Nuggets in the Air fryer
I guess chicken nuggets were made “big” by McDonald’s anyway. But it turns out that there is no chicken in those ‘traditional nuggets’ at all, and besides, it is much tastier to make these nice crispy chicken nuggets yourself. The air fryer is the ideal appliance for this. But if you don’t have one, you can also use the oven or use deep frying to get the same result. Of course due to the hot air of the air fryer this is a healthier option to deep frying. Cooking time may vary depending on your chosen method. I think the air fryer is definitely the best way.
For me, these Asian chicken nuggets have everything I love. A crispy crust, a nice flavor from the marinade, and the perfect dipping sauce. I mean, what more could you ask for?
Making the Chicken Nuggets
To make this air fryer chicken nuggets recipe, first make the marinade. This contains buttermilk, and buttermilk haters often get a little anxious about this. But rest assured, the flavor of the buttermilk won’t show up in the end result, but it does make for an extra tender result. I’ve used regular skinless chicken breast here but you can totally go for chicken thighs. That will give a juicier result, but it depends on your personal preference.
You marinate the chicken in a combination of buttermilk, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for an hour or two in the fridge. Then the chicken pieces gets their crispy coating.
Crispy coating
The crunchy coating on the chicken nuggets is a combination of sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs. I used white and black sesame seeds, but you can also use just one color. Personally, I prefer the white sesame for the look, but black is fine too. You can add some garlic powder to the coating as well if you want more garlic flavor. Keep in mind that there is already garlic in the marinade as well.
For making the crispy coating you mix panko with the sesame seeds and you double dip them. So first you take them out of the marinade, dip into the panko mixture and then dip back into the marinade and repeat the dipping into the crumbs. This way you get an extra crispy layer. If you do not have panko you can use regular breadcrumbs for this as well.
In the fryer
Before you put the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, spray them with a little olive oil. You will need this to make sure they become beautifully golden brown. You can drizzle it on top or use a spray. The latter gives the best results.
Place chicken nuggets in the air fryer in a single layer at 180˚C (350˚F) for about 15 minutes. Turn them once halfway through so they are nicely browned and cooked on all sides.
Chicken Nugget Dipping sauce
Making the dip for the Asian chicken nuggets takes no time at all. Mix the mayonnaise with the soy sauce and hoisin and add a little lime juice to taste. You probably won’t need pepper and salt because the soy sauce and hoisin add enough salt, but check it to make sure the sauce is perfect. Of course you can use any other favorite dipping sauce you like. It’s delicious with bbq sauce, buffalo sauce or whatever other favorite sauce you have.
Asian chicken nuggets from the air fryer
Serve the air fryer nuggets on a platter with the dip, sliced scallions and cilantro on top. You will love these homemade air fryer chicken nuggets for sure! It’s an easy snack but it is also a great recipe if you want to serve these as part of your dinner. Serve with a large big salad on the side or with a side of french fries or sweet potato fries.
Are you a fan of air fryer chicken? Then be sure to check out these delicious chicken legs or check here for more air fryer recipes.
Photos in this post by: Saskia Lelieveld.
Asian Chicken Nuggets in the Airfryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 250 grams chicken breast diced
MARINADE
- 200 ml buttermilk
- 1 cm ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
CROQUET JACKET
- 100 grams panko
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- Olive oil for spraying
- Salt and pepper
DIP
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hoisin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 bunch coriander to serve
- 1 spring onion to serve, thinly sliced
How to make air fryer chicken nuggets
- For the marinade, grate the ginger and garlic along with a tablespoon of soy sauce and add to the buttermilk. Add the chicken to the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Mix the panko and sesame seeds in a deep dish. Dip the chicken pieces, one at a time, through the panko, shaking off excess.
- Then dip them back into the marinade and through the panko again. Coat the chicken nuggets with a little olive oil and place in the air fryer. Keep them in a single layer or they won’t get crispy.
- Bake the chicken nuggets at 180˚C for 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through.
- Meanwhile, make the dip. Stir the hoisin and soy sauce into the mayo. Slice the spring onion into thin rings and sprinkle over the golden brown chicken nuggets. Delicious with a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition Information per portion
Disclaimer
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
