Delicious homemade crispy cornflake chicken nuggets, coated in mayonnaise and finished with a seasoned crunchy crumb. Cook them in the oven or air fryer for an easy family dinner.
Homemade chicken nuggets are always a popular choice for a quick family meal, and this crispy cornflake version is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to make them. The chicken stays tender inside, while the outside becomes golden, crunchy and full of flavour.
Instead of using the usual flour and egg coating, these chicken nuggets are coated in mayonnaise before being rolled in seasoned crushed cornflakes. The mayonnaise helps the crumb stick really well and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. If you are not a fan of mayonnaise, do not worry; you cannot taste it once the nuggets are cooked.
The cornflake coating is mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and a little oil. This simple combination gives the nuggets a delicious savoury flavour and a crisp texture without needing deep frying.
How To Make Crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
These crispy chicken nuggets are very simple to prepare and are a great option for a midweek dinner, lunchbox-style meal or kid-friendly weekend treat. The method is straightforward: coat diced chicken breast in mayonnaise, then cover each piece in the crunchy cornflake mixture.
If you prefer the traditional method, you can dip the chicken in flour and egg instead of mayonnaise. The recipe will still work, but the mayonnaise method is quicker, less messy and helps create a really even coating.
For best results, cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same speed. Smaller pieces will cook more quickly and become crispier, while larger pieces may need a few extra minutes in the oven or air fryer.
- Crush the cornflakes and place them in a large bowl or deep dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, a little salt and pepper, then mix in the oil.
- Add the mayonnaise to a separate bowl or dish.
- Add the diced chicken breast and stir until every piece is lightly coated in mayonnaise.
- Transfer the coated chicken to the cornflake mixture and toss until the pieces are completely covered in the crunchy crumb.
Air Fryer Instructions
Cook the cornflake chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 180c for 11 to 12 minutes. Arrange the pieces in a single layer if possible, as overcrowding the basket can stop them from crisping properly.
Always check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. If your chicken pieces are larger than the ones shown here, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check the centre of the thickest piece.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches. This takes a little longer, but it gives the best crispy result.
Oven Instructions
Bake the chicken nuggets in the oven at 200c fan for 15 to 16 minutes. Spread them out on a large baking tray so the hot air can circulate around each piece.
Check that the chicken is cooked all the way through before serving. Larger pieces may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Both the oven and air fryer methods work well, but the air fryer gives the crispiest finish. The oven is a good choice if you want to cook the whole batch at once, while the air fryer is ideal when you want extra crunch.
Serve these homemade chicken nuggets with peas, salad, chips, potato wedges or your favourite dipping sauce. Tomato ketchup is always a classic choice, but they are also lovely with barbecue sauce, garlic dip or a simple yoghurt-based dip.
Storage & Freezing
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they are piping hot all the way through. Reheating this way also helps bring back some of the crispiness.
These nuggets can also be frozen. For best results, freeze them before cooking. Place the coated uncooked nuggets on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
More Family Dinner Ideas
If you enjoy easy chicken recipes for family dinners, these crispy cornflake chicken nuggets are a great recipe to keep on repeat. They are simple to prepare, use everyday ingredients and are especially useful for children who enjoy crunchy, bite-sized meals.
You can also adapt the seasoning to suit your family. Keep it mild with garlic and onion powder, or add a little extra smoked paprika for a deeper flavour. The basic method stays the same and can be used whenever you want homemade nuggets without deep frying.
Crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
- Author: Ciara Attwell
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: British / American
Description
Easy homemade chicken nuggets coated in mayonnaise and finished with a crispy seasoned cornflake crust. Cook them in the oven or air fryer for a simple family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 150g cornflakes
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp oil
- 60g mayonnaise
- 700g chicken breast, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Add the cornflakes to a large bowl or deep dish and crush them with your hands.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, then mix well.
- Pour in the oil and mix again until the cornflake crumb is lightly coated.
- Add the mayonnaise to a separate bowl or dish. Add the diced chicken breast and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken pieces to the cornflake mixture and toss until fully covered. You can use a spoon, clean hands or a lidded container to shake everything together.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a large baking tray or arrange them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook in the oven at 200c fan for 15 to 16 minutes, or in the air fryer at 180c for 11 to 12 minutes.
- Check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. If the pieces are larger, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Notes
Leftover nuggets can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until piping hot.
For freezing, freeze the nuggets before cooking for the best texture. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and always check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
