"Fried" Air Fryer Cubed Chicken
Healthy chicken nuggets!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs (for a lighter, higher fiber option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (adds flavor and crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp flax meal or chia seeds **OPTIONAL** (for added fiber and healthy fats)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken cubes and toss to coat. This will help the breading stick and crisp up in the air fryer.
- Make the coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. For extra crunch and fiber, you can add flax meal or chia seeds to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat the chicken: Take each cubed chicken piece and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat until all chicken cubes are coated.
- Air fry the chicken: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. Add the coated chicken cubes in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded (this ensures even crisping).
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. You can drizzle a bit of lemon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
