Ingredients:

  • 1 lbs (500 g) Chicken (breast or thigh, minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Whole Milk or Cream
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme or Oregano (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Large Eggs, lightly whisked
  • 5 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Cooking Spray (Canola or Olive Oil), as needed

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients for the chicken base (mince, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and herbs) in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently but firmly mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the mixture begins to feel slightly tacky. Do not overmix.
  2. Shape the chicken mixture into traditional nugget shapes (irregular ovals or rectangles), using about 1 tablespoon for each nugget. Aim for a uniform thickness (about 1.5 cm) for even cooking.
  3. Place the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step is critical for preventing the coating from falling off.
  4. Set up the breading station using three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Bread the nuggets: Lightly coat one chilled nugget entirely in flour, shaking off excess. Dip the floured nugget into the whisked egg. Immediately press the nugget firmly into the Panko crumbs, ensuring all sides are completely covered. Return the breaded nuggets to the parchment-lined sheet pan.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the breaded nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 minutes.
  8. Open the basket, flip the nuggets, and spray the second side lightly. Cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the exterior is deeply golden brown and crispy.
  9. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached a safe 74°C (165°F). Remove from the air fryer and serve piping hot.