Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets
Red pesto adds a tasty twist to these crispy air fryer chicken nuggets. They're tender, golden, and packed with flavour – and you won’t believe they’re slimming-friendly too!
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories225
- Fat12g
- Saturates1.9g
- Carbs9g
- Sugars2.6g
- Protein20g
For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card below. Before you scroll, there’s some important info in the blurb!
We’ve marinated diced chicken breast in red pesto and lemon juice for a juicy, garlicky kick – then coated each chicken nugget in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, before baking in the air fryer until crispy.
They’re fab with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries – and we’ve included a simple, zesty dip to dunk them in, too. Ideal for midweek dinners or weekend fakeaways, this recipe is easy to batch-cook and freezer-friendly – perfect for making ahead of time!
What diets are these Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets suitable for?
These nuggets can be made gluten-free if you swap the breadcrumbs for a suitable gluten-free alternative.
Take extra care when cooking for people with allergies – use separate utensils, cookware, and preparation surfaces.
Do you need any special ingredients to make Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets?
We’ve used red pesto for a rich, tangy flavour that’s slightly different to classic green pesto. Look out for one that’s lower in fat if you’re keeping an eye on calories. Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crunchy finish – they’re usually found in the baking aisle.
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Red pesto is a great alternative to green pesto in this air fryer chicken nugget recipe!
How many calories are in these Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets?
These Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets are part of our Everyday Light category because they contain just 225 calories per serving. With a side of homemade oven chips, the recipe is 321 calories in total.
This means they’re great if you’re following a diet plan like Weight Watchers, or calorie counting.
Step 1
Add the chicken to a bowl, along with the pesto and lemon juice. Stir the chicken until fully coated, then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2
Add the breadcrumbs to a plate. Remove the chicken from the fridge and dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumbs – completely coating them on all sides. Then place onto a plate.
Step 3
Repeat this process with the rest of the chicken, then place into the air fryer basket. Spray with low calorie cooking spray.
Step 4
Cook at 170ºC for 15 minutes – until the nuggets are crispy and golden. To test that the chicken is fully cooked, cut a piece in half – the juices should run clear, and there should be no sign of pink remaining.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yoghurt, lemon juice, and garlic – then give it a good stir. Season to taste, and serve alongside the nuggets.
What could I serve with these Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets?
You could serve these with lots of different slimming-friendly sides! Here are some ideas:
How do you know when Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets are cooked?
The nuggets will be golden, crisp, and piping hot all the way through. Cut one in half to check – the chicken should be white with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.
As per UK food safety guidelines, always cook chicken until it reaches 75ºC and stays at that temperature for at least 30 seconds.
How long can you keep Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets in the fridge?
Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets?
Yes! These nuggets freeze well, before or after cooking.
- If freezing uncooked: Lay them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- If freezing cooked: Allow to cool completely before freezing.
Defrost thoroughly before cooking or reheating.
How do I reheat Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets?
Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until piping hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving – they’ll go soggy!
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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Nuggets
Red pesto adds a tasty twist to these crispy air fryer chicken nuggets. They're tender, golden, and packed with flavour - and you won’t believe they’re slimming-friendly too!
-
Prep Time
40 MINS
-
Cook Time
15 MINS
- KCals 225
- Carbs 9G
Instructions
- Add the chicken to a bowl, along with the pesto and lemon juice. Stir the chicken until fully coated, then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Add the breadcrumbs to a plate. Remove the chicken from the fridge and dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumbs - completely coating them on all sides. Then place onto a plate.
- Repeat this process with the rest of the chicken, then place into the air fryer basket. Spray with low calorie cooking spray.
- Cook at 170ºC for 15 minutes - until the nuggets are crispy and golden. To test that the chicken is fully cooked, cut a piece in half - the juices should run clear, and there should be no sign of pink remaining.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yoghurt, lemon juice, and garlic - then give it a good stir. Season to taste, and serve alongside the nuggets.
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
With ever-changing plans and point calculations, we have made the decision to remove WW Points from the website - referring to your individual plan or advice from your consultant is always going to give the most accurate results.
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Recipe notes
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