These Air Fryer Chicken & Spinach Nuggets are an easy, kid-friendly dinner that works great for busy weeknights. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, soft and tender in the middle, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep ahead of time!
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These Spinach & Chicken Nuggets are a great way to include spinach! I still encourage offering spinach on its own so your little one can learn to explore it, see it, touch it, and get used to it in different ways. But blending it and mixing it right into these nuggets is a practical option too. It’s not about hiding it, it’s about offering it in a way that feels approachable and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Freezer-friendly – Make a batch ahead for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.
- Kid-friendly and familiar – They’ve got that classic nugget feel that most kids are excited to see on their plate.
- Simple ingredients – Made with just 6 ingredients
- Easy in the air fryer – Quick to cook and beautifully golden without turning on the oven.
- Spinach built right in – A fun way to incorporate some greens.
- Great with dips – Ranch, ketchup, honey mustard, yogurt-based dips… letting kids choose a dip makes it even more fun.
These nuggets are also great in lunchboxes! And for more easy kid-friendly lunch ideas, check out my Ultimate List of Toddler lunch Ideas.
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Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make these easy air-fryer chicken & spinach nuggets!
- 1 lb ground chicken thigh
- 1 cup spinach, pureed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for How To Make Air-Fryer Chicken & Spinach Nuggets
Add the fresh spinach to a small food processor or blender and pulse until very finely chopped, almost paste-like. You want it small enough that it mixes evenly into the chicken. Add to a large bowl.
Transfer the blended spinach to a large bowl. Add the ground chicken and spices. Mix everything together until combined.
Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. This will make it easier to coat the nuggets evenly. Scoop out about 1-inch portions of the chicken mixture and roll into balls. Place each ball into the breadcrumbs, gently press it down into a nugget shape, and coat all sides with the breadcrumbs.
Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Hint: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving the nuggets a little space between each one helps them cook evenly and get that nice golden finish. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
Substitutions
- Ground turkey – Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
- Veggies – you can also swap in carrot, broccoli or cooked sweet potato. Carrot and broccoli can be raw, but still pulse it in a food processor so that it will mix in.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs – Use your favourite gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Oven method – If you don’t have an air fryer, bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
Variations
- Cheesy Chicken Nuggets – Mix in ½ cup finely shredded cheddar or parmesan to the chicken mixture for a slightly richer flavour.
- Herbs – You can mix up the herbs and spices and try other flavours such as chives or smoked paprika.
See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)
Equipment
- Food processor
- Air fryer
Storage
Store leftover cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing.
These nuggets also freeze really well. Once cooked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2 to 3 months. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through.
Toddler Tip
Offer a dip with these chicken nuggets! Toddlers love to dip and these nuggets go great with a homemade honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch. I also encourage being open about spinach being in the nuggets, or even better, let your child add the spinach into the food processor.
Dip Suggestion:
We love serving these nuggets with a homemade honey-mustard sauce. Simply add 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey (no honey for kids under 1), and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix together and you’ve got a delicious easy dip!
FAQ
Yes. Bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Absolutely. You can shape and bread the nuggets, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Yes. Freeze cooked nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Keep it neutral and no pressure. Let your child help add the spinach to the food processor for this dish. Serve the nuggets alongside a familiar food and a dip. Be open about the spinach by simply saying, “These are chicken and spinach nuggets.” Kids learn through repeated exposure, without pressure.
Recipe
Air-Fryer Chicken & Spinach Nuggets
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh ground
- 1 cup spinach fresh
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- dash salt and pepper
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- Add the fresh spinach to a small food processor and pulse until very finely chopped. This helps it mix evenly into the chicken.
- Transfer the blended spinach to a large bowl. Add the ground chicken, spices, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop about 1-inch portions of the chicken mixture and roll into balls. Place each ball into the breadcrumbs, gently press into a nugget shape, and coat all sides evenly.
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Add the olive oil. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature of the nuggets should reach 165°F.
Notes
Nutrition
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