AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS (paleo, keto, gluten-free options)

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets made with pork panko and Parmesan.

These easy air fryer chicken nuggets are always a hit my house! We’re talking perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. They make the perfect game day — or any day! — eats for kids and grown-up kids alike. Bonus is, they’re suitable for gluten-free, paleo, keto, and whole30 diets, too.

Side note: I have experimented with a number of different coating options, from regular bread crumbs to panko, almond flour, and pork panko (finely ground pork rinds). Pork panko may sound odd to my non-keto friends, but we honestly liked the ones made with it better than all the other versions (not sponsored, just sharing)! Still, you don’t have to worry if you’re not convinced — regular panko makes your nuggets super crunchy and delicious, too!

More tips for extra crispy but juicy nuggets:

1. Don’t over crowd the air fryer! The nuggets need space between them for the air to circulate. Multiple batches will be required.

2. Spray the nuggets lightly with olive oil or avocado oil before frying.

3. Don’t overcook them!

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets made with traditional panko.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup finely ground almond flour (or substitute regular or whole wheat flour)

• 1 tsp Redmond Seasoning Salt (or use a combination of salt, pepper, onion salt & garlic salt, or seasoning of choice)

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup pork panko (or regular panko or bread crumbs)

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional, omit for paleo)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch or bite-sized cubes

• olive oil or avocado oil spray

• optional for dipping: Good Food For Good ketchup or BBQ sauce (regular or spicy), pizza sauce, guacamole, or ranch dressing

Directions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix together almond flour and seasoning. In another small bowl, beat the eggs lightly. And in a third shallow bowl, combine panko and Parmesan (if using).

3. One at a time, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, then the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing down gently to help the crumbs adhere.

4. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Multiple batches will be required.

5. Lightly spray the chicken nuggets with oil and cook for 7 to 10 minutes (or until internal temperature reaches 165F), flipping halfway through.

6. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.