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Crispy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Nuggets: Easy 20-Min Recipe

crispy air fryer honey mustard chicken nuggets - featured image

These crispy air fryer honey mustard chicken nuggets are quick, easy, and packed with sweet-and-tangy flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey mustard
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: extra honey mustard for dipping, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches) and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1/4 cup honey mustard until evenly coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix.
  5. Working one piece at a time, coat each honey mustard-coated chicken piece in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
  6. Lightly spray the coated nuggets with olive oil spray on all sides.
  7. Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through (at 5-6 minutes). Nuggets are done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let nuggets rest in the air fryer basket for 1 minute, then transfer to a plate. Serve immediately with extra honey mustard for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken sit in honey mustard for 5-10 minutes before coating. Do not crowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. To freeze, cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

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