These air fryer chicken nuggets are a fun, easy, and healthier twist on a classic family favourite. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavour, they’re a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat, especially when feeding kids, fussy eaters, or anyone who loves comfort food with a bit of a healthy edge.
What makes these nuggets stand out is the clever use of chicken sausages and frozen mixed vegetables. Instead of starting with raw chicken breast, using sausages means the mixture already has seasoning and moisture, making the nuggets extra tasty without any extra effort. The frozen veg blends seamlessly into the mix, adding colour, fibre, and nutrients without overpowering the flavour, ideal for sneaking in a few more greens (and oranges and yellows!) without complaints.
They’re also wonderfully adaptable. Use whatever frozen vegetables you have on hand (peas, carrots, sweetcorn) and add herbs or spices depending on your family’s preferences. Best of all, the recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, so you can get dinner on the table without a fuss.
Cooking them in the air fryer ensures you get that golden crunch without needing to deep-fry, making them a lighter option that still feels like a treat. They’re just as perfect for weeknight dinners as they are for lunchboxes, picnics, or party platters. Serve them with your favourite dips (ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, or a yoghurt-based dressing) and watch them disappear faster than you can say “homemade nuggets.”
Whether you’re looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser or a new way to use your air-fryer, these chicken and veggie nuggets are guaranteed to become a regular on your menu. Quick, easy, and secretly wholesome, what’s not to love?
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
6 chicken sausages
100g Frozen mixed veg (defrosted or microwaved slightly)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1tsp paprika
Spray olive oil
2 eggs beaten
50 g plain flour
75 g breadcrumbs
Seasoning
To serve (optional):
2 tortilla wraps
Salad
Greek yogurt
Red chilli
Method
Start by preparing your nugget mixture. If you’re using a blender or NutriBullet, add the chicken sausage meat and defrosted mixed vegetables straight into the jug. Blitz the mixture until it’s well combined but still has a little texture. You don’t want it completely smooth, as a bit of bite gives the nuggets a satisfying feel. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry. A fork or masher and some elbow grease will do the job. Just make sure everything is evenly mixed and holds together.
Next, tip the mixture into a bowl and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. These seasonings help bring out the flavour in both the meat and veg, so don’t skip them! Once combined, use damp hands to shape the mixture into nugget-sized portions, roughly the size of a walnut works well.
Now set up your coating station. Place the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs in a second, and pour the breadcrumbs into a third. Working one at a time, dip each nugget first into the flour, then the egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure it’s well coated.
Lightly spray the nuggets all over with olive oil spray, then arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping. Air-fry at 190°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving them another light spray, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Serve straight away while they’re hot and crispy, with your favourite dip, some crunchy salad, or tucked into a wrap for a delicious handheld meal.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
1. Choose good-quality sausages:
The flavour of your nuggets will depend a lot on the sausages you use, so go for ones with a high meat content and minimal fillers. Herby or lightly spiced chicken sausages work beautifully here, but feel free to experiment with different flavours.
2. Let the veggies defrost fully:
If your mixed veg is still icy, it can make the mixture too wet. Defrost your vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with kitchen paper if they seem watery. This helps the nuggets hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
3. Blitz with care:
You want a well-mixed texture but not a paste. Pulse the mixture rather than blending continuously, and stop as soon as everything starts to come together. A bit of texture gives the nuggets a better bite and makes them more satisfying.
4. Damp hands are your friend:
The mixture can be a little sticky when shaping, so dampen your hands lightly with water before rolling each nugget. This makes the process much easier and keeps things less messy.
5. Don’t skip the oil spray:
A light misting of oil helps the nuggets crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Spray both sides, especially after flipping halfway, for that golden, crunchy finish.
6. Keep them in a single layer:
Crowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. If needed, cook the nuggets in batches and keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the rest finish up.
7. Make ahead and freeze:
These nuggets freeze brilliantly! Just freeze after coating (before air-frying) on a lined tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these crispy chicken nuggets, here are six more air fryer chicken recipes from the blog that are easy, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners, packed lunches, or fuss-free snacks.
Air Fryer Chicken Goujons
A grown-up take on a childhood favourite. These homemade chicken goujons are golden and crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle, and so easy to whip up in the air fryer.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Juicy chicken burgers coated in golden breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or Friday night fake-aways.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
So quick, crispy, and endlessly dippable, these chicken tenders are a staple in our house. Great for kids and adults alike!
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
There’s something so irresistible about a plate of Buffalo wings. That combination of crisp, golden skin, tender juicy meat, and a tangy sauce that keeps you reaching for “just one more”.
Air fryer Chicken Goujons
These golden chicken goujons are easy to make and can be cooked with minimal effort using an air-fryer.
Air Fryer Nando’s Chicken
Juicy, protein-packed, and great for batch cooking, these Nano’s style piri piri chicken thighs are a perfect fake-away for any night of the week!.
Whether you’re after comfort food, lighter meals, or new ways to use up chicken, these recipes have you covered!
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