These homemade air fryer turkey nuggets are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and juicy on the inside! Full of amazing flavor they are kid-friendly and easy to make. Using the air fryer this easy turkey recipe cooks in 8 minutes! Serve with all your favorite sauces and dips!

These air-fried turkey nuggets are made with 7 simple ingredients and are a much healthier alternative to deep-fried or store-bought nuggets. It's the perfect recipe to make whenever you don't want to turn on your oven or want to make a quick after school snack or party appetizer.

The air fryer is such a handy kitchen appliance and it is one of my favorite ways of cooking. It's faster than baking in the oven or cooking over the stove and because it cooks the food by circulating hot air, you can prepare fried food without using too much oil. You can feel good about serving these air-fried turkey nuggets because they are a healthier version of a classic snack.

Seasoned with dry ranch seasoning mix, and coated with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese this turkey nuggets recipe is a very flavorful and kid-friendly snack that everyone is sure to love!

Recipe ingredients

Turkey tenderloin. Cut into 1-inch pieces. This part of the turkey is very tender and will ensure that your nuggets aren't tough or dry.

Egg. Helps the breadcrumb crust stick onto the turkey nuggets.

Salt and black pepper. Just a little bit of each for seasoning.

Dry ranch seasoning mix. Optional but it adds so much amazing flavor to this recipe.

Panko breadcrumbs. To give a light crunchy coating.

Parmesan cheese. Adds a nice cheesy flavor.

Oil spray. Spray a little bit unto the nuggets and the air fryer basket. Helps to prevent sticking and helps the nuggets get crispier when air fried.

How to make air fryer turkey nuggets

First defrost your turkey tenderloin if its frozen. Rinse it well with cold water. Cut turkey in about 1-2 inch pieces, they don't have to be perfect or even in size.

Beat one egg in the bowl. Add your favorite spices in the mixture, i simply used salt, pepper, some garlic powder. Feel free to add cayenne for a spice kick or thyme or oregano for extra flavor if you like.

In another bowl combine Panko crumbs and grated Parmesan. Do not buy that pre grated Parmesan, it is filled with cellulose. Just use your old school grater. Always better!

Dip turkey pieces in egg mixture first and than dredge in Panko mixture. Make sure to press crumbs into the nuggets.

Spray air fryer with olive oil spray. Add turkey nuggets, making sure to leave space between for hot air to circulate. Spray some olive oil on top of each nugget as well.

Cook for about 8 minutes. If not sure that the nuggets are done, stick instant meat thermometer in the thickest part of the nugget. It should show at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not overcook them. When overcooked turkey becomes dry.

How to avoid dry nuggets

Using turkey tenderloin instead of chicken breast or ground chicken is a nice and tasty change from regular chicken nuggets. It is also the key to juicy turkey nuggets.

Turkey breast is very lean and a common cooking problem is that it can easily become dry and overcooked. Instead of turkey breast, we are using turkey tenderloin, which is the most tender and juiciest part of the turkey.

It is a boneless, skinless piece of meat right under the turkey breasts. It won't be as dry and tough as turkey breast and it cooks quickly.

Another thing that will help us to avoid dry nuggets is cooking them in the air fryer. In under 10 minutes, they will be crisp and crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The convection system locks in all the juices quickly, ensuring that these air-fried nuggets are perfectly cooked.

Frequently asked questions

Variations and substitutions

• Substitute turkey tenderloin with chicken breast or turkey breast. Cooking time will remain the same.
• Add ranch dry seasoning mix to the egg or Panko mixture. It will add more unique flavor.
• For a spice kick add a pinch of cayenne to the egg mixture.
• Swap Panko crumbs with regular bread crumbs (Italian or Plain) or even crushed chips or Cheez-its.

Storage

Leftovers. Store air fryer turkey nuggets in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also use a ziplock bag for storage.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked nuggets. Place the in the freezer safe container of plastic bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Make sure there is no air in the bag, this will help to prevent the freezer burn.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 2 minutes (6 minutes for frozen nuggets). Do not overheat nuggets though or they will become dry.

Store raw nuggets. You can pre make turkey nuggets for later use as well. Lay them in single layer on the parchment paper lined cookie sheet so they don't stuck together and freeze for couple hours. After they become a little hard you can add them all in one freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 4 months.

More turkey recipes

• Turkey cacciatore
• Air fryer turkey thighs
• Turkey pigs in a blanket
• Turkey bacon wrapped asparagus
• Slow cooker turkey necks
• Turkey bacon wrapped scallops
• Instant pot turkey necks
• Turkey gizzards recipe