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Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Recipe)

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Servings: 4 nuggets per serving
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • Chicken thighs — 1 per person (cut into nugget-sized pieces)
  • 1–2 cups crushed Corn Flakes
  • 1 cup flour
  • Flour seasonings:
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 beaten eggs (for every 3 chicken thighs)
  • Cooking oil spray (avocado oil recommended)
Lemon Pepper Sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1-inch piece ginger, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tbsp crushed red pepper

Method
 

Air Fryer Chicken
  1. Season the flour: Combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Prepare the breading station: Use three bowls — seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and crushed corn flakes.
  3. Bread the chicken:
  4. Coat each chicken piece in flour
  5. Dip into the egg mixture
  6. Press firmly into the crushed corn flakes to form a crispy coating
  7. Air fry the nuggets: Place nuggets in the air fryer basket with space between each piece.Spray generously with cooking oil.
  8. Cook:
  9. Air fry at 385°F (196°C) for 12 minutes
  10. At the halfway point, flip the nuggets and spray again
  11. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F (73.8°C)
  12. Cool: Set cooked nuggets on a wire rack or strainer so the bottom stays crispy.
Lemon Pepper Sauce
  1. Heat sesame oil in a small pot over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; cook quickly until fragrant.
  3. Add lemon juice followed by water.
  4. Stir in soy sauce and rice vinegar.
  5. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water.
  6. Add black pepper and crushed red pepper to taste.
Combine & Serve
  1. Add the crispy nuggets to the sauce and toss until fully coated.Serve over rice and veggies for best experience