Air Fryer Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Air fryer chicken with BBQ sauce is a weeknight dinner game-changer – juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly quick. This recipe delivers a seriously satisfying meal with minimal effort. We’re talking tender chicken coated in a rich, tangy BBQ glaze, all achieved with the speed and convenience of an air fryer. It’s fantastic for busy families or anyone who loves a delicious, hassle-free dinner. The air fryer locks in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out, and creates a wonderfully crisp skin, a perfect balance of textures. This is a fantastic way to recreate that classic BBQ flavor without the smoky mess of an outdoor grill. The key is using a good quality BBQ sauce – I personally love a medium-sweet sauce for this, but feel free to adjust to your preferences. You can really kick things up a notch by adding a touch of smoked paprika for an even more authentic BBQ taste. Don’t be intimidated by the air fryer; it’s incredibly easy to use and produces consistently delicious results. It’s also fantastic for making large batches – you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before air frying. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more intense and complex taste. Before you begin, ensure your chicken pieces are patted completely dry with paper towels, this will help to create a beautiful, crispy skin. Season them generously with salt and pepper. To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Overcrowding will steam the chicken rather than crisping it. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces, but generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce. This ensures that the skin stays moist and continues to caramelize beautifully. Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Serve it up with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad. This recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a weeknight treat. The key to mastering air fryer chicken is patience and not overcrowding the basket. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken every time. If you’re looking for a truly impressive meal, this air fryer chicken with BBQ sauce is a winner. It’s a simple, delicious, and convenient recipe that everyone will love. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. You can also use a variety of BBQ sauces to create unique flavor profiles – experiment and find your favorite! Don’t forget to make a big batch of your favorite sides – this is a fantastic meal to share with family and friends. Serve with sides Make BBQ sauce from scratch Check out BBQ recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t crave a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tender? The beauty of the air fryer is that you can achieve this incredible texture without all the excess oil found in traditional frying. These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are unbelievably easy to make, taking just minutes and guaranteeing a satisfying meal. I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure maximum crispiness while keeping the chicken incredibly tender – it’s a win-win!
What You’ll Need:
- 1.5 – 2 lbs Chicken Tenders – I prefer boneless, skinless for speed and even cooking, but you can also use chicken with the skin on for a slightly richer flavor. Chicken tenders are the best!
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour – This helps create a light and crispy coating.
- 1 tsp Paprika – Adds a touch of color and smoky flavor. Paprika is key for that beautiful hue.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder – Contributes to the overall flavor complexity. Onion Powder is very common!
- 1/2 tsp Salt – Enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper – Adds a subtle spice.
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs – These create an extra-crispy coating. Panko Breadcrumbs is a must!
- 1/2 cup Milk – Helps bind the breadcrumbs and creates a smoother coating. Milk is essential!
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Milk Mixture: In a separate shallow dish, pour the milk.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the milk, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour into the chicken to help it adhere.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Chicken Internal Temperature is key!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your crispy air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce – BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They’re fantastic on a salad or as part of a complete meal. Enjoy this amazing meal – Chicken Tender Recipe is one of my favorites.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
- For even crispier tenders, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before adding the chicken. Cooking Oil is helpful.
- A slightly damp paper towel can be used to pat the chicken dry before coating – this helps the coating adhere better.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are a fantastic weeknight meal – they’re incredibly quick, incredibly juicy, and deliver a flavor punch that rivals traditional oven-baked versions. The key is minimizing the time they spend in the air fryer, preventing them from drying out. I’ve developed a foolproof method that guarantees tender, flavorful chicken every time. It really comes down to careful temperature control and a little bit of patience. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is! This recipe is super versatile too; you can easily adjust the seasonings to match your personal preferences, from classic lemon-herb to spicy Cajun or even a sweet and savory glaze.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs) – the skin is crucial for crispness, so don’t remove it! crispy skin is the goal!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil olive oil benefits
- 1 teaspoon paprika paprika uses (smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder garlic powder substitutes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder onion powder recipes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme thyme recipes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best! pepper grinders
- Salt to taste – don’t be shy! salt recommendations
Instructions:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your air fryer basket is clean and dry. air fryer cleaning
- Season: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Massage the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This is the step that builds flavor. flavor building techniques
- Air Fry: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket! If necessary, cook in batches. Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and crisping. air fryer overcrowding
- Cook: Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Again, avoid overcrowding the basket – this is key for crispy skin! meat thermometers
- Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful finished product. rest your meats
Serving Suggestions: Serve your air fryer chicken thighs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce or gravy. BBQ sauce recipes
Enjoy this easy and delicious meal!
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that aligns with a ketogenic lifestyle? These Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are the answer! Forget heavy breading and deep frying – these nuggets deliver crispy, flavorful goodness without derailing your carb goals. They’re shockingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a quick trip to the air fryer. The secret lies in the combination of ground chicken, a touch of cheese for binding, and a simple, keto-friendly coating. You’ll find countless recipes online utilizing a mixture of almond flour, parmesan cheese, and spices to create a robust and flavorful crust. But this recipe focuses on maximizing flavor while keeping the carb count incredibly low, making it a fantastic option for those following a strict ketogenic diet. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your preference – try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Almond Flour (blanched)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into nugget-sized portions.
- Place the nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket – you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions: Serve these Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces, like sugar-free ranch, a creamy avocado dip, or a homemade blue cheese dressing. They’re also fantastic served alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of cauliflower rice.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving – assuming 6 nuggets): Approximately 180 calories, 15g fat, 8g protein, 4g net carbs. Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the chicken can lead to tough nuggets. Mix just until combined.
- Check for Doneness: Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the nuggets are cooked through.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to create your perfect flavor combination. Spice variations offers some excellent suggestions! Note: This is an external link for additional inspiration.
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Looking for a healthier, surprisingly satisfying twist on classic buffalo wings? Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are the answer! These crispy, flavorful bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo wings without the guilt or mess. They’re packed with nutrients, incredibly easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s break down how to create these deliciousness.
What you’ll need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 6-8 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper, richer flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference – start small!) – spicy cauliflower [Spice Level Guide] – [adjust to taste]
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice) – Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce [authentic buffalo sauce]
- 1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles (for topping, optional) – best bleu cheese [top quality blue cheese]
Instructions:
- Prep the Cauliflower: Ensure your cauliflower florets are thoroughly dry. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness in the air fryer. You can pat them dry with a paper towel. – dry cauliflower [best methods for dry cauliflower]
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Make sure every floret is evenly coated. – seasoning tips
- Air Fry: Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – this will steam the cauliflower instead of crisping it. You may need to cook in batches. – air fryer temperature [temperature guide for air frying vegetables]
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and browned. – air frying times [exact air frying times]
- Buffalo Sauce Time: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a bowl. Drizzle generously with buffalo wing sauce, tossing to coat evenly. For extra flavor, you can add a little melted butter – buffalo sauce recipes [top rated buffalo sauce recipes]
- Serve: Serve immediately with bleu cheese crumbles for topping, if desired. These are fantastic as an appetizer or snack. – best appetizers [favorite appetizer recipes]
Tips for Success:
- Dry Cauliflower is Key: Seriously, dry it well! This is the most important step.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary.
- Shake it Up: Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more if you want it hotter.
Enjoy these addictive air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites – a healthier and tastier alternative to traditional wings!
Mini Blooming Onions – Air Fryer White Pearl Onions
Let’s face it, frozen white pearl onions can sometimes be a bit… blah. But with a little air fryer magic, they transform into a surprisingly delightful side dish—almost like mini blooming onions, without the deep-frying mess and excessive oil. This recipe captures the essence of that traditional treat, delivering a satisfyingly crisp and subtly sweet side that’s incredibly easy to whip up. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple weeknight meal or to impress guests with a surprisingly sophisticated side.
What you’ll need:
- 1 bag (8-16 oz) Frozen White Pearl Onions (thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika smoked paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Onions: Ensure your frozen white pearl onions are fully thawed and drained really well. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a truly crispy texture. The drier they are, the better they’ll crisp up in the air fryer.
- Seasoning Time: In a bowl, toss the drained onions with the olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Make sure every onion is coated evenly with the spices.
- Air Fryer Magic: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will steam the onions instead of crisping them up. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Cook Time: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes, to ensure even cooking. The onions are done when they’re tender and beautifully browned with crispy edges. Keep an eye on them – air fryer cooking times can vary slightly depending on your model.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately as a side dish alongside your favorite entrees. These mini blooming onions are fantastic with steak, chicken, pork, or even vegetarian dishes. They are amazing as a garnish too, a delightful burst of flavor and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer is the biggest culprit for soggy onions. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake It Up: Shaking the basket regularly helps ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Smoked paprika really adds a depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate, will vary depending on specific ingredients used): Nutritional Information
Air Fryer Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Air frying chicken with a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce is a fantastic way to elevate a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. It’s remarkably easy, delivers incredibly crispy skin, and boasts a flavor explosion that rivals takeout – without the guilt! This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor, starting with a perfectly seasoned chicken and culminating in a rich, sweet, and spicy BBQ glaze.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 ounces each) – chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika – paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat) – cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup – ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overlapping. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is beautifully browned and crispy.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is air frying, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last 5 minutes of air frying, brush the BBQ sauce generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Continue air frying until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the air fryer chicken with BBQ sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a truly decadent experience, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispy skin, you can briefly sear the chicken in a hot skillet before air frying.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce variations – add a pinch of chili powder for a smoky flavor, or a splash of beer for a deeper taste.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air fryer chicken tenders are a fantastic weeknight meal – quick, easy, and delivering incredible results! Forget soggy, greasy tenders; these achieve a phenomenal crispness without a drop of oil. The key is utilizing the air fryer’s circulating hot air to your advantage. You can create incredibly tender and juicy chicken tenderloins, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Let’s dive into the recipe, starting with the essentials.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 lbs Chicken Tenderloins (about 8-10 tenders)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Large Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for extra crispness – seriously, don’t skip this!) – panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Vegetable Oil Spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that amazing crisp. Cut the tenderloins into 1-inch thick strips. Cutting chicken tenderloins
- Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates the perfect textural contrast – panko vs regular breadcrumbs
- Dredge and Fry: Dredge each chicken tenderloins piece in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure every surface is covered to maximize crispness.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket – avoid overcrowding, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Spray the tops of the tenders with a little more vegetable oil. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Internal temperature for chicken
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your crispy air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces – ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They’re fantastic on a salad or as part of a quick and easy meal. For extra flavor, you could add a little grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs before coating. Experiment with different spices in the breadcrumbs – chili powder, cumin, or oregano would all work wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a juicy, flavorful chicken thigh, and the air fryer takes it to a whole new level of convenience. These easy air fryer chicken thighs are unbelievably tender on the inside, with a beautifully browned and slightly crispy skin – all achieved without any messy pan drippings or complicated techniques. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. I’ve developed a marinade that really elevates the flavor, and the results are consistently fantastic. The key to achieving that perfect sear and crispy skin is to make sure the thighs aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer basket – this allows for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Don’t be tempted to open the air fryer during cooking, as this can cause the temperature to drop and the skin won’t crisp up correctly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6-8 Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
- Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed is best – lemon juice)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. marinade ingredients
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. Longer marinating times will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer – avoid overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches. air fryer
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. meat thermometer
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat. Serving suggestions include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. To boost the flavor further, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Don’t overcook, as this will dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Looking for a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets? You’ve come to the right place! These Keto Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are incredibly easy to make and deliver a satisfying crunch without the carbs. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a game-day snack. The secret lies in using a simple combination of ground chicken, cheese, and a few key seasonings to create a super flavorful and satisfying nugget. The resulting nuggets are remarkably light and airy, thanks to the air fryer’s circulating hot air, providing a perfectly golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy interior. You can customize the seasonings to your liking – from classic garlic powder and onion powder to smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. This recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional fried chicken nuggets and is a huge hit with both kids and adults.
Yields: Approximately 30-40 nuggets
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (93% lean or leaner)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (0% fat) – This is key for a keto-friendly binding agent
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the nuggets tender.
- Form the mixture into nugget-sized balls – approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Lightly coat the nuggets in the beaten egg. This helps them stick together and ensures a nice, even sear in the air fryer.
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Overcrowding will steam the nuggets, preventing them from getting crispy.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces, such as sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or salsa. A dollop of sour cream is also a delicious option!
Nutritional Information (per nugget – approx.): (These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. The Greek yogurt adds a significant boost to the protein content.)
- Calories: ~60-80
- Protein: ~15-20g
- Fat: ~2-3g
- Net Carbs: ~0-1g (This is a rough estimate – always check your ingredient labels for accurate carb counts.)
Enjoy these incredibly delicious and keto-friendly Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets! They’re a fantastic way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary goals. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!
Resources for Keto Recipes: https://www.weightwatchers.com/food/recipes/keto-chicken-nuggets https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/ketoairfryerchickennuggets/