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Crispy golden air fryer chicken nuggets and french fries on a serving tray with dipping sauce

McDonald's Copycat Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets & Fries (Macro-Friendly)

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g Lean Ground Chicken Breast (98% lean)
  • 400 g Russet Potatoes (approx. 2 medium), peeled
  • 1 large Egg , beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • 40 g All -purpose Flour
  • 20 g Cornstarc h
  • 1.5 tsp Onion Powder, divided
  • 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder, divided
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Paprik a
  • 1/4 tsp Mustard Powder
  • Non -stick Olive Oil or Avocado Oil spray

Method
 

  1. Slice peeled Russet potatoes into thin 1/4-inch matchsticks. Submerge in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 minutes to extract excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with a lint-free kitchen towel.
  2. Place ground chicken, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and mustard powder in a food processor. Pulse until the chicken forms a smooth, sticky paste.
  3. Using damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the chicken paste into approximately 18-20 uniform nugget shapes (imitating the 'boot', 'bone', 'bell', and 'ball' shapes).
  4. Arrange shaped nuggets on a parchment-lined tray and place in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up for easier coating.
  5. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, remaining onion powder, remaining garlic powder, white pepper, and paprika.
  6. Standard Breading Procedure: Dredge each chilled nugget into the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, and return to the flour mixture for a double-coating. Shake off any excess flour.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Mist the potato matchsticks lightly with oil spray and toss with a pinch of salt. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
  8. Air fry the fries for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and tent with foil to keep warm.
  9. Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C). Place coated nuggets in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Mist the tops generously with oil spray.
  10. Air fry nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and applying another mist of oil spray, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden-brown.
  11. Combine nuggets and fries; serve immediately with calorie-conscious dipping sauces.