3-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
If you’re new to cooking or just need something foolproof that actually turns out good, these 3-ingredient air fryer chicken nuggets are the perfect place to start. This recipe was made with beginner cooks in mind. No complicated steps, no flour, no frying, and no eggs.
Just simple ingredients, minimal prep, and an air fryer that does most of the work for you.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and surprisingly high in protein, which makes them a win for both kids and adults. Honestly, they’re one of those kid-friendly dinners that feels fun but still checks the “real food” box.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, learning your way around the kitchen, or just trying to get dinner on the table without making a mess, these nuggets keep it simple and delicious.
You might also like: Crispy Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Avocado Fries, Copycat In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Carrot Fries.
Why This Recipe Works
Only 3 Ingredients
This is one of those back-pocket recipes you can make without a grocery list a mile long. All you need is chicken breast, crushed BBQ potato chips, and a quick spray of oil. That’s it.
No Messy Breading Station
No flour. No eggs. No bowls lined up across your counter. You just press the crushed chips onto the chicken and you’re ready to cook. Minimal cleanup is always a yes.
It Cooks So Fast
These nuggets cook in just 8 to 10 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or those moments when everyone is suddenly starving right now.
Crispy Without Deep Frying
The air fryer gives you that crunchy outside without needing a deep fryer or a big pot of oil. The potato chips crisp up beautifully, so you still get that classic nugget texture with way less effort.
Perfect for Toddlers and Picky Eaters
These are genuinely kid-friendly. They’re mild, crispy, and fun to dip, which makes them a great option for toddlers or picky eaters who are in a nugget phase (and honestly… aren’t we all sometimes?).
Plus, since they’re made with real chicken breast, they’re naturally high in protein and feel like a solid meal, not just a snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these crispy air fryer chicken nuggets:
Chicken
Use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small nugget-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches) so they cook evenly.
BBQ Potato Chips
You’ll need 1 to 2 cups of BBQ flavored potato chips, finely crushed. This is the crunchy coating and adds all the flavor.
Oil Spray
A quick spray of avocado oil or olive oil spray helps the nuggets get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Optional
Pinch of salt
Garlic powder
Substitution Note
No BBQ chips? Any flavored chips work. Chicken tenders can also be used instead of breast.
Recommended Products
These are a few tools and staples that make this recipe even easier:
How to Make 3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
These nuggets come together fast, so once you start, dinner is basically 20 minutes away.
1. Cut the chicken breast into small, even, bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick.
2.. Add the BBQ potato chips to a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If you do not have a food processor, place the chips in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour into a shallow bowl.
3. Drizzle the chicken pieces with avocado oil and toss until evenly coated. Press each piece into the crushed chips, covering all sides completely.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
5. Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
What Type of Chicken to Use
Chicken breast or chicken tenders both work really well for this recipe.
I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breast because it’s easy to find and makes the nuggets feel extra high-protein and filling. Chicken tenders are a great option too, especially if you already have them on hand.
If you can, go for high-quality or organic chicken. It really does make a difference in flavor, especially with such a simple recipe.
How to Bake These Nuggets Instead of Air Frying
No air fryer? No problem. These nuggets bake up great in the oven too.
To bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F
Place the nuggets on a baking sheet (a rack helps them crisp even more)
Spray both sides lightly with avocado oil spray
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through
They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Let them cool completely before storing so they don’t trap steam and soften.
How to Reheat
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
The air fryer brings back that golden, crunchy exterior much better than the microwave.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes. Let the nuggets cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat from frozen, air fry at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes until heated through.
What to Serve on the Side of the Chicken Nuggets
More Chicken Recipes
FAQs
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They can be. Since this homemade chicken nugget recipe uses crushed potato chips instead of flour or panko breadcrumbs, they’re naturally gluten-free as long as your chips are certified gluten-free. Always double-check the label if you’re cooking for someone with a sensitivity.
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Yes. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag in a single layer. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop them straight into the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. It’s a great way to turn this into a meal prep recipe for busy weeks.
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The nuggets should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time is usually 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, depending on the size of each piece of chicken.
If your pieces are larger, they may need an extra minute or two.
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You can, but chicken breasts give the best texture for classic nuggets. They’re lean, high in protein, and cook quickly. If using thighs, just cut them into evenly sized pieces and expect slightly more moisture.
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No, and that’s what makes this such a great recipe for beginners. There’s no beaten egg, no flour, no separate bowl, and no messy assembly line. The crushed potato chip coating sticks directly to the oiled chicken.
It keeps things simple and cuts out the extra step.
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You can, but that turns it into a more traditional breaded nugget. If using panko bread crumbs, you’ll need an egg mixture to help them stick. Almond flour can work too, but the texture will be softer and less crunchy.
The crushed potato chip coating really gives the best texture with minimal effort.
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If baking, use a preheated oven at 400°F. Place the nuggets on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan or sheet tray. Spray lightly with oil so they crisp instead of drying out.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Yes, especially if you make a double batch. Store cooked nuggets in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back that crispy exterior.
It’s a great way to have high-protein, kid-friendly meals ready to go.
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A light spray of avocado oil helps the coating crisp up at high temperatures. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for air frying and baking.
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Absolutely. If this is your first time making homemade nuggets, this is the place to start. No flour, no frying, no complicated steps. Just cut, coat, and cook.
If you’re looking for a simple, high-protein dinner that even picky eaters will actually finish, these 3-ingredient air fryer chicken nuggets are it. No flour, no frying, no complicated steps. Just crispy, golden nuggets made from real chicken and pantry staples. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll come back to again and again, especially on the nights when you need something fast that still feels homemade.
3-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
These 3-ingredient chicken nuggets in the air fryer are a quick and easy meal option for busy home cooks or novices in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 to 2 cups BBQ flavored potato chips, finely crushed
- Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
- Pinch of salt
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into small, even, bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick.
- Add the BBQ potato chips to a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If you do not have a food processor, place the chips in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour into a shallow bowl.
- Drizzle the chicken pieces with avocado oil and toss until evenly coated. Press each piece into the crushed chips, covering all sides completely.
- Preheat to 375°F.
- Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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