These Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of that classic fast-food flavor—without the deep fryer! Made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they’re a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to whip up at home. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun, nostalgic meal everyone will love.
Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are amazing! Light breading surrounding a tender and juicy chicken tender. If you love McDonald’s chicken tenders as much as my kids, this will be the recipe for you. And better yet, it’s easy and delicious!
This is one of my favorite homemade McDonald’s chicken nuggets air fryer, they are so easy, and taste just like the original.
Looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Copycat Recipes? Some of my favorites are AIR FRYER COPYCAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS, AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH, AIR FRYER COPYCAT DOUBLETREE COOKIES, and AIR FRYER COPYCAT HOSTESS CUPCAKES.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Without the Oil – All the crunch of McDonald’s nuggets, made healthier in the air fryer.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun – Perfect for picky eaters and nostalgic adults alike.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights.
- Tastes Just Like the Real Thing – That classic flavor you crave, made right at home!
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer
- Ground Chicken – Lean protein base for tender, juicy nuggets.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor and seasoning balance.
- Eggs – Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture.
- Cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating when air fried.
- Water – Thins batter for even nugget coating.
- Onion Powder – Adds mild savory depth and flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Boosts taste with a warm, garlicky note.
- Yellow Mustard – Adds tang and classic nugget flavor punch.
- Black Pepper – Brings a gentle, peppery heat.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps form a crunchy golden crust.
How To Make McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets In Air Fryer
Step One: In a medium-sized bowl mix the ground chicken, salt and 2 eggs, mix well.
Step Two: Add the cornstarch to a small mixing bowl. Using your hands, form a chicken nugget (about 2 tablespoons per nugget) and then coat in cornstarch—place on a baking tray as you coat the nuggets.
Step Three: Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until frozen solid.
Step Four: In another bowl, add the water, 1 egg, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, and flour. Mix well.
Step Five: Dip your nugget into the batter. Coating both sides. As you coat them, place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze again for about 30 minutes until frozen solid.
Step Six: Add a piece of parchment to the air fryer, then add the frozen chicken nuggets, air fry at 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 7-12 minutes. To get them to really crisp up, spry them with cooking spray.
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe Air Fryer Tips
- Use ground chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful nuggets—just like the original.
- Chill the shaped nuggets for 20–30 minutes before breading to help them hold their shape.
- Double coat with flour and cornstarch for that signature crispy, golden exterior.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
- Lightly spray with oil to get a crispier, more golden crust without deep frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches for best results.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor, just like fresh from the drive-thru
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Let the nuggets cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until heated through and crispy. If frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
You can serve anything you want. If it’s a kid-friendly meal, I usually serve them up with either Air Fryer French Fries or a plate of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. But here are some other quick air fryer options: AIR FRYER CARROT FRENCH FRIES, AIR FRYER SPICY FRENCH FRIES, EASY AIR FRYER BROCCOLI, AIR FRYER SPAM FRENCH FRIES, or AIR FRYER AVOCADO FRENCH FRIES.
Best Dipping Sauces For Copycat McDonald’s Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe
Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe Faqs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken? Yes, but ground chicken gives a more authentic McDonald’s flavor and texture.
Do I need to freeze the nuggets before air frying? It’s not required, but chilling or briefly freezing them helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
How do I get them super crispy? Double coat the nuggets, preheat the air fryer, and spray lightly with oil for a crispier finish.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Just use gluten-free flour and cornstarch alternatives in the coating.
How long do they cook in the air fryer? Typically 8–10 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What dipping sauces go best with these? Serve with homemade hot mustard, honey mustard, BBQ, sweet and sour, or ketchup—just like the drive-thru!
More Copycat McDonald’s Recipes
Copycat McDonald’s Steak Egg And Cheese Bagel Recipe
Easy McDonald’s Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe
Air Fryer McDonald’s Breakfast Burritos
Copycat Air Fryer McDonald’s French Fries
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Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1 ½ cups cornstarch, divided
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ground chicken, salt, and 2 eggs, mix well.
- Add the cornstarch to a small mixing bowl. Using your hands, form a chicken nugget (about 2 tablespoons per nugget) and then coat in cornstarch—place on a baking tray as you coat the nuggets.
- Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until frozen solid.
- In another bowl, add the water, 1 egg, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, and flour. Mix well.
- Dip your nugget into the batter. Coating both sides. As you coat them, place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze again for about 30 minutes until frozen solid.
- Add a piece of parchment to the air fryer, then add the frozen chicken nuggets, air fry at 370 degrees F, air fryer setting for 7 to 12 minutes. Note: To get them to really crisp up, spry them with cooking spray.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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