Elevate your snack game with these irresistibly crispy yet heart-healthy Low Sodium Air Fried Chicken Nuggets. Made with tender cubes of marinated chicken breast, coated in a flavorful buttermilk blend spiced with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper, these nuggets are air-fried to perfection without any added salt. Featuring a golden, crunchy crust from panko breadcrumbs and just the right touch of seasoning, this recipe keeps the sodium low while maximizing flavor and crunch. With minimal oil and a quick 15-minute cook time, these guilt-free nuggets are perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. Pair them with your favorite low-sodium dipping sauce for a wholesome, family-friendly meal thatβs as delicious as it is nutritious!
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture. Stir to coat well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for better flavor.
Set up your breading station with two shallow bowls: in one, mix the all-purpose flour with an additional teaspoon of black pepper; in the second, beat the egg.
In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. One by one, dip each marinated chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs pressing to adhere.
Preheat the air fryer to 400Β°F (200Β°C) for about 5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook the chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 400Β°F (200Β°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring you flip them halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with a low-sodium dipping sauce of your choice.
Calories |
1432 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.4 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 608 mg | 203% | |
| Sodium | 1035 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.5 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 168.9 g | 338% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.9 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 404 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1733 mg | 37% | |
*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.