Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, these Gluten-Free Air Fried Chicken Nuggets redefine homemade comfort food with a healthy twist. Perfectly marinated for tenderness in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful mix of gluten-free breadcrumbs and spices, each bite delivers a satisfying combination of crispiness and juicy chicken goodness. Prepared effortlessly in the air fryer, this recipe is free of gluten while eliminating excess oil, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters and those with dietary restrictions. Ready in just 35 minutes, these nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite and a crowd-pleasing snack that's easy to serve with your go-to dipping sauces. Whether for game day, family dinners, or a quick comforting treat, these gluten-free chicken nuggets are a crunchy triumph you'll return to time and again!
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to tenderize.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and coat each piece thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure adherence.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
Spray a light layer of olive oil over the chicken nuggets to promote even crispiness.
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Calories |
2029 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.8 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 137% | |
| Sodium | 3539 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.8 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 167.1 g | 334% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 521 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1766 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.