Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets are a game-changer when it comes to healthy meals for kids and adults. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also baked in an air fryer, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried nuggets. The sweet potato adds a natural sweetness, while the whole grain crackers provide a satisfying crunch. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and even reheat them without losing the crispiness. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your little ones or having a family snack, these nuggets are sure to impress.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups whole grain crackers (I used Simple Mills almond flour crackers)
- 1 sweet potato (1 cup)
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% or 99% lean)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup oat flour
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
directions
- Prepare the Crackers:
Add the whole grain crackers to a food processor and grind them into a coarse flour. Remove the crumbs from the food processor and set them aside in a medium-sized bowl. - Process the Sweet Potato:
Add the sweet potato to the food processor and pulse until it’s diced into small pieces. - Combine the Ingredients:
Add the ground chicken, oat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt (if using) to the food processor. Turn the food processor on and mix the ingredients until well-combined. You don’t need to pulse the mixture; just let the processor combine everything. Scrape down the sides if necessary. - Shape the Nuggets:
Use 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture to form oval or square-shaped nuggets. Coat each nugget in the ground cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Place the coated nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process until you have 12–16 nuggets. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Spray the air fryer tray with avocado oil. - Cook the Nuggets:
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the chicken nuggets in the tray. Spray the tops of the nuggets with a little more avocado oil. Cook for 16 minutes, turning each nugget halfway through the cooking time for an even golden-brown finish. - Freezing Instructions:
To freeze uncooked nuggets: Freeze the sheet pan of chicken nuggets. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To cook from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 18 minutes, turning them halfway through.
To freeze cooked nuggets: Cool the cooked nuggets in the refrigerator. Store them in a freezer container or bag. When ready to eat, microwave for 2 minutes or reheat in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes. - No Air Fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 20–30 minutes, turning them at the 10-minute mark for a crispy finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 nuggets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Addition: Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mashed chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version of these nuggets.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the nuggets in the air fryer for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: As mentioned, these nuggets freeze well before or after cooking. Be sure to separate the nuggets in the freezer so they don’t stick together.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potato puree instead of diced sweet potato?
Yes, sweet potato puree works fine, but be cautious not to add too much liquid. The texture might differ slightly, but they’ll still taste great.
Can I make these nuggets without a food processor?
Yes, you can mash the sweet potato and mix the ingredients by hand. You’ll need to finely chop the chicken or use pre-ground chicken.
Can I use a different type of oil for cooking?
Yes, you can use olive oil or coconut oil in place of avocado oil, though avocado oil provides a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point.
How do I prevent the nuggets from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to lightly coat the tray with oil before placing the nuggets in. You can also use parchment paper made for the air fryer to ensure they don’t stick.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken nugget mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble the nuggets later.
Can I bake these nuggets in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get them crispy.
How do I make these nuggets crunchier?
Coat the nuggets with more cracker crumbs before air frying or baking. You can also lightly spray the tops with extra oil to help them crisp up.
Can I freeze these nuggets raw?
Yes, freezing uncooked nuggets is a great way to prepare them for future meals. Just cook them directly from frozen.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use regular crackers instead of whole grain crackers?
Yes, you can use any type of crackers, though whole grain crackers offer a healthier, more nutritious option.
Conclusion
These Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets are an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a favorite comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, meal prep, or a toddler-friendly snack, they’re a versatile and nutritious option that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and the power of the air fryer, these chicken nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and so much better than store-bought.
Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 nuggets
Description
Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, combining sweet potatoes, ground chicken, and a crispy whole grain cracker coating. These nutritious, easy-to-make nuggets are perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
2 cups whole grain crackers (I used Simple Mills almond flour crackers)
1 sweet potato (1 cup)
1 lb ground chicken (93% or 99% lean)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ cup oat flour
½ tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crackers: Grind the whole grain crackers into a coarse flour using a food processor. Set the crumbs aside.,Process the Sweet Potato: Dice the sweet potato into small pieces in the food processor.,Combine the Ingredients: Add ground chicken, oat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the food processor. Blend until well-combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.,Shape the Nuggets: Form 2–3 tbsp of the mixture into nuggets and coat with cracker crumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.,Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 360°F (180°C) and lightly spray the tray with avocado oil.,Cook the Nuggets: Place the nuggets in the air fryer, spray the tops with avocado oil, and cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.,Freezing Instructions: To freeze uncooked nuggets, freeze on a baking sheet and transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen at 360°F for 18 minutes. For cooked nuggets, store in the freezer and reheat in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.,
For a cheesy variation, mix in shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.,
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mashed chickpeas or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Main Dish
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
