Chicken Nuggets Recipe Gluten Free – Crispy, Oven or Air Fryer

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My husband grew up loving chicken nuggets, the golden kind with a crunchy bite and juicy center. But after going gluten free, he assumed they were off the table. I didn’t want to let that little joy slip away. So I created a chicken nuggets recipe gluten free that brings all the comfort without the wheat.
Whether we’re tossing them in the air fryer or baking them in the oven, these nuggets come out crispy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s become one of our weeknight go-tos. Today I’m sharing both methods, so you can pick the version that fits your kitchen best.

Why This Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets Recipe Works

The Crispy Coating You Miss

One of the biggest struggles with a gluten free chicken nuggets recipe is getting that real crunch.
Most gluten-free coatings fall flat. But here, we double-dip the chicken and use gluten free panko or crushed corn cereal for a shattering crispness that actually sticks. Every bite is golden and satisfying, no deep frying needed.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe gluten free chicken nuggets uses pantry staples to keep things easy. A little garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper go a long way in flavor.
Chicken thighs give extra moisture, but breasts work just as well. And whether you’re tossing them in an air fryer or lining them up on a baking rack, the result is the same: crispy edges, tender inside, and full of nostalgic flavor.

For other dinner favorites that deliver comfort and crunch, check out our Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata Recipe or warm and flaky Recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie.

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets Recipe Air Fryer

Air frying takes this recipe for gluten free chicken nuggets to the next level. It creates that golden crisp crust without needing a drop of oil, just hot circulating air and the right breading.
Plus, it’s fast, family-friendly, and much easier to clean up than deep frying.

recipe for gluten free chicken nuggets Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into nuggets)
• 1 egg (or flax egg for egg-free)
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy-free if needed)
• ½ cup gluten free flour (or almond flour)
• ¾ cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray

This gluten free chicken nuggets recipe is flexible, use any neutral seasoning you like. You can also add dried herbs or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.

recipe for gluten free chicken nuggets Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. In one bowl, whisk egg and milk. In another, mix breadcrumbs with seasonings. Place flour in a third bowl.
3. Coat each chicken piece: dredge in flour, dip in egg wash, then press into seasoned crumbs.
4. Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them.
5. Spray lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping and spraying again halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F inside).
6. Serve warm with dipping sauces or over salad bowls.

These nuggets are perfect for lunchboxes or dinner with sweet potato fries. Want a saucy pairing? Our Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is another sticky, crowd-pleasing classic.

Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets Recipe Baked

If you don’t have an air fryer, this chicken nuggets gluten free recipe still delivers crispy perfection straight from the oven.
With just a light mist of oil and a good rack, you’ll get golden nuggets that taste like they were fried, but with none of the mess.

gluten free chicken nuggets recipe baked Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into nugget-sized pieces
• 1 egg (or dairy-free substitute)
• 2 tbsp plant-based milk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup gluten-free flour or cornstarch
• ¾ cup gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)

This gluten free chicken nuggets recipe gives you an oven-crisp option with very little oil. Perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.

gluten free chicken nuggets recipe baked Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a wire rack on top.
2. Whisk egg and milk in one bowl. Combine gluten-free crumbs with seasonings in another. Put flour in a third.
3. Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs—press to coat well.
4. Arrange nuggets on the rack. Lightly spray with oil to help crisp.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
6. Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

Craving something richer? Pair with our creamy Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala Recipe for a cozy, restaurant-style meal at home.

Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

When it comes to mastering a gluten free chicken nuggets recipe, the right coating, binder, and method make all the difference. These tips will help you avoid soggy crumbs, ensure the nuggets stick together, and make prepping ahead a breeze.

Best Substitutes for Breadcrumbs

If you’re out of gluten-free panko or want to switch things up, try these tasty coatings:

• Crushed cornflakes: super crispy, naturally gluten-free
• Almond flour: adds protein and a slightly nutty flavor
• Crushed gluten-free crackers or pretzels: great for texture
• Tapioca or arrowroot starch: light and crisp, especially as a pre-coat

These swaps work beautifully in any chicken nuggets recipe gluten free method, whether baked or air-fried.

What Binds the Nuggets Together

Nuggets need a binder to keep their coating intact and the meat juicy. These options work best:

• Egg + milk: classic and reliable
• Flax egg: great vegan alternative (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
• Greek yogurt: adds moisture and holds crumbs well
• Buttermilk or dairy-free yogurt: tenderizes and helps crisp up in the oven

To freeze: Lay fully cooked nuggets on a sheet tray, freeze solid, then transfer to bags. Reheat in oven or air fryer directly from frozen, no thawing needed.

And for a creamy finish, consider pairing with our Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe, a rich, comforting classic that’s perfect after crispy finger food.

Conclusion

There’s something about chicken nuggets that just feels like home. With this gluten free chicken nuggets recipe, you can bring that joy back to your table, crispy outside, juicy inside, and completely safe for gluten-free eaters.
Whether you go air fryer or oven-baked, you’ll love how easy and satisfying these are.
And once they’re gone? Just pull a few from the freezer and heat them up for another bite of comfort.

For more homemade classics like this, try our nostalgic Recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie, another way to keep the love (and flavor) alive in every meal.

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