Extra-Crispy Ramen-Crusted Air Fryer Turkey Nuggets

Everyone loves crispy fried turkey breast nuggets. They are always one of the first things we make each spring once turkey season starts. Don’t want to deal with the mess and hassle of deep-frying but still want that crunchy bite to dip into your favorite sauce? Break out the air fryer.

Dunk your ramen-crusted nuggets in your favorite dipping sauce.

For the extra-crunchy crust on these, we went with simple, inexpensive ramen noodles.

Pulse the dry ramen in a food processor.

How do you get a block of dried ramen to stick to a turkey nugget, you ask? You run the noodles through the food processor until they are about the texture of panko breadcrumbs. Once you have the ramen processed, add the chicken flavoring and pulse a few more times to mix.

Add the chicken flavor to the processed noodles.

For extra flavor, we marinated the breast meat in a mixture of zesty Italian salad dressing, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Marinate for 4-8 hours before cooking.

Marinate the turkey nuggets.

Remove the marinated turkey from the bag, allowing extra liquid to drain away. Roll the nuggets in the processed ramen noodles until all surfaces are covered.

Roll the marinated turkey in the processed ramen noodles.

Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the nuggets to your air fryer. Cook in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the fryer. Spritz the top of the nuggets lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the crusted turkey in the air fryer and spritz with nonstick cooking spray.

Air-fry at 400 degrees for 4 minutes. Flip the nuggets and spritz the top side with more nonstick spray. Air-fry for another 4 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Cook until golden brown and crunchy.

Serve with ranch, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or whatever you prefer for dipping.