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Air Fry Chicken Nuggets No Breading
Anna Warden

Air Fry Chicken Nuggets No Breading

Air fry chicken nuggets no breading are a modern twist on a beloved classic. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for healthy yet satisfying meals. This recipe is not just about flavor; it's designed to fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll gather for this flavorful dish with a bit of a twist:
  • - 3 pounds organic chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • - 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • - 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
  • - 1 tablespoon dry Italian herb blend
  • - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • - 1 tablespoon Sazon seasoning optional, to bring extra flavor
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder a must for adding depth
  • - 1 tablespoon paprika for a subtle smokiness

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • mixing bowl
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cubed organic chicken breast with Italian dressing, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, dry Italian herbs, kosher salt, and optional Sazon seasoning. Ensure that every piece is well-coated. The dressing will not only flavor the chicken but also keep it juicy. You can use your hands for the best coverage here.
Step 2: Get Your Air Fryer Ready
  1. Before diving into the cooking, spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking oil. This step helps prevent sticking and gives your nuggets that perfect golden finish. Just a light spray will do!
Step 3: Air Fry the Nuggets
  1. Working in batches, place a single layer of the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F (about 200°C) and air fry for 12 minutes. Be sure to give the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time. This encourages even cooking and browning, making sure every nugget is crispy and delicious.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
  1. After 12 minutes, check your chicken nuggets. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). If they're not quite there, pop them back in for a minute or two.
Step 5: Serve!
  1. Carefully remove the nuggets from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool slightly. Plate them up and get ready to devour! They are best enjoyed warm, so don't be shy about serving them right away.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 38.5gFat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 868mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5g

Notes

- Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large quantity, keep the first batch warm in a 200°F (100°C) oven while cooking the remaining nuggets.
- Marination is Key: For even better flavor, marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing and spices for a couple of hours or even overnight.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air needs space to circulate for that perfect crispiness, so cook in batches rather than cramming everything in.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your taste preferences—more garlic powder for garlic lovers or an extra sprinkle of adobo for kick!
- Cool Before Storing: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them to avoid sogginess.

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