Dairy-Free Airfried Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these Dairy-Free Airfried Chicken Nuggets are the perfect guilt-free indulgence for family dinners or game-day snacks. This simple recipe uses almond milk and apple cider vinegar to create a dairy-free buttermilk substitute, ensuring tender, juicy chicken in every bite. A delightful blend of spices—paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—infuses the coating with bold flavors, while crunchy panko breadcrumbs provide that irresistible crispy exterior. Best of all, these nuggets are air fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Serve them with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce for the ultimate gluten-free-friendly comfort food experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Cut the boneless chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces, approximately 1.5 inches each. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk with the apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 5

Dip each chicken piece into the almond milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully covered.

Step 6

Dip the flour-coated chicken back into the almond milk mixture, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.

Step 7

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 8

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Lightly spray the top of the nuggets with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 9

Air fry the chicken nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10

Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce or condiment.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(883.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1310.0

Total Fat 22.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 390.1mg	0%
Sodium 4342.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.4g	0%
Total Sugars 4.1g
Protein 146.2g	0%

Vitamin D 87.8IU	0%
Calcium 536.9mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1596.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.5%

Protein: 44.7%

Carbs: 39.8%