Say goodbye to processed alternatives with these homemade Soy-Free Air Fried Chicken Nuggets—crispy on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside! Perfect for families with dietary restrictions, these nuggets feature a buttermilk marinade that guarantees juicy bites, a seasoned flour coating for bold flavor, and a light vegetable oil spray to achieve golden perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep, this healthy twist on classic comfort food is perfect for weeknight dinners or kid-approved snacks. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a guilt-free treat that's deliciously soy-free and fuss-free!
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for tender chunks.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another small bowl, beat the egg.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip each piece in the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray.
Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with vegetable oil spray.
Cook in the preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the nuggets over and spray again with oil spray. Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal.
Calories |
1526 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.0 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 632 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 3070 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 124.7 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g | ||
| Protein | 168.7 g | 337% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 397 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 65% | |
| Potassium | 1806 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.