Homemade Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer

Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Oven & Air Fryer Friendly)

If your kids love chicken nuggets (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this easy homemade chicken nugget recipe is about to become your go-to. Made with chicken mince, mustard and your favourite seasonings, these nuggets are golden, crunchy and 100% family-approved.

The best part? You can make them in either the oven or the air fryer, making them perfect for busy weeknights, school lunches, or your next road trip meal prep. This recipe comes straight from the clever minds at Krumbsco - and we loved it so much we had to share it with you!

🍳 Ingredients

For the Nuggets:

500g chicken mince
1 tbsp mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings of choice (e.g. onion powder, garlic powder, paprika)

For the Coating:

1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
Seasonings of choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
2 eggs, whisked

How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets

1. Mix the Chicken Base

In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, mustard, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings. Mix until everything is well combined.

2. Shape the Nuggets

With slightly wet hands (to prevent sticking), form the mixture into nugget-sized shapes. Place the nuggets onto a tray and freeze for around 20 minutes - this helps them keep their shape while coating.

3. Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and your favourite seasonings for flavour-packed crunch. In another bowl, whisk the eggs for your egg wash.

4. Coat the Nuggets

Remove the nuggets from the freezer. Dip each one into the egg wash, then roll in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure they’re evenly coated for the best crisp.

5. Time to Cook

Lightly spray the nuggets with oil before cooking using your method of choice:

☕ Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 220°C (fan-forced).
Bake for 16–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

🧵 Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 200°C.
Cook for 15–17 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until crisp and golden on all sides.

🥟 Tip: Make Cleanup Easy with Krumbsco Baking Mats

For best results and mess-free cleanup, bake your nuggets on a Krumbsco baking mat. These Aussie-made mats are reusable, non-stick and perfect for healthy oven or air fryer cooking.

📍 Shop Krumbsco Baking Mats at Adventure Awaits

🚗 Perfect for Lunchboxes and Road Trips

These homemade chicken nuggets aren’t just for dinner - they’re perfect for school lunches, camping meals or road trip snacks. Here's how we love to pack them:

🧱 Keep them warm in an insulated food jar
🍽 Pair with tomato sauce - we use Mingle Tomato Sauce - all the taste with NO nasties - get yours here...
🏥 Great in a bento-style lunch box alongside veggie sticks or fruit

Whether you're packing school lunches in Numurkah or fuelling up for a big drive around Australia, these nuggets are a family win!

⭐ Why We Love This Recipe at Adventure Awaits

Kid-approved: Crunchy outside, juicy inside
Make-ahead friendly: Prep and freeze for quick meals later
Better than store-bought: No hidden nasties
Versatile: Switch up the seasoning for different flavour combos

At Adventure Awaits, we’re all about practical, joyful and clever ideas to make life easier - at home, on the road or around the campfire. This recipe ticks all the boxes, and it’s now on high rotation in our own team’s lunchboxes!