Crispy Golden Veggie Nuggets: Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Kids & Adults

Whipping Up Childhood Memories, One Nugget at a Time

Remember those classic, crispy nuggets we all loved as kids? Well, get ready to have your mind blown because we’re recreating that magic, but with a healthy, veggie-packed twist that’s perfect for any day of the week! These veggie nuggets are so incredibly easy to whip up, and the best part? They come out wonderfully crispy and golden in the air fryer. Seriously, you’ll be making these on repeat!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Veggie Nuggets

• Fast: From start to finish, these come together in a flash, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Easy: No fancy techniques here, just simple mixing and shaping. Anyone can make these!
• Giftable: Imagine a batch of these cooling on the counter – they make fantastic homemade gifts for friends and family who appreciate tasty, wholesome snacks.
• Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more. They’re so yummy, you might want to double the batch!

Gather Your Veggie-Packed Goodies!

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious nuggets to life. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• 200g Boiled and mashed potatoes: This is our creamy base! Make sure they’re nice and smooth.
• 100g Grated broccoli: Adds a lovely subtle veggie flavor and a boost of goodness.
• 100g Crushed peas: Bring on the sweetness and color! Frozen peas work perfectly here.
• 70g Soy nuggets (TVP), soaked and crushed: These little guys add a fantastic texture and protein boost, mimicking that classic nugget chew.
• 1 cup Bread crumbs: For that essential crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite for extra crunch!
• 50g Cheddar cheese, grated: Because cheese makes everything better, right? It adds a lovely savory note.
• 3 tbsp Chopped coriander leaves: For a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
• 3 tbsp Chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty depth.
• 1 Chopped green chili: Just a little kick to make things interesting! You can skip this if you prefer no heat.
• 1 tsp Salt: To enhance all those yummy flavors.
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder: A classic for a reason!
• 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs seasoning: This is my secret weapon for instant deliciousness. It brings all the aromatic goodness!
• 1 tbsp Oil for brushing: Just a little bit to help them get that beautiful golden color.

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide!

Alright, apron on? Let’s do this! It’s easier than you think.

1. Combine the Stars: Grab a big bowl and toss in your mashed potatoes, grated broccoli, crushed peas, the soaked and crushed soy nuggets, grated cheddar cheese, chopped coriander, chopped walnuts, and that little chopped green chili.
2. Bring in the Flavor: Now, add your bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and that magical Italian mixed herbs seasoning.
3. Mix It All Up: This is where the magic happens! Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until it’s beautifully combined. You want a mixture that holds together nicely when you squeeze it.
4. Shape Your Nuggets: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into your favorite nugget shapes. I like to make them about bite-sized!
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Pop your air fryer on and set it to 190°C (375°F). Letting it preheat ensures they get crispy right away.
6. A Little Brush of Love: Lightly brush each nugget with a bit of oil. This helps them get that gorgeous golden-brown color.
7. Load ‘Em Up: Carefully place your shaped nuggets into the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t get as crispy!
8. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for about 10-12 minutes. About halfway through, give them a flip so they get evenly golden and wonderfully crisp on all sides.

Get Creative: Substitutions & Delicious Additions

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to make these nuggets your own!

• Cheesy Swap: If cheddar isn’t your jam, try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative!
• Nut-Free Zone: No walnuts? No problem! Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully as a crunchy substitute.
• Herb Heaven: Feel free to swap the coriander for fresh parsley or chives. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra zing.
• Spicy Kick: Want more heat? Add another chopped green chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Binder Boost: If your mixture feels a little too wet, add a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs until it’s easier to shape.

Tips for Nugget Success!

A few little secrets to ensure your nuggets turn out absolutely perfect every time.

• Don’t Over-Mash: While you want smooth potatoes, avoid making them too watery. Drain them well if you boil them.
• Even Shapes: Try to make your nuggets roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly.
• Basket Space: I can’t stress this enough – give your nuggets breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping!
• Prep Ahead: You can totally shape these nuggets ahead of time and store them in the fridge on a baking sheet for a few hours before air frying. You can even freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later.

Storing Your Delicious Nuggets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These nuggets store beautifully.

Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

What can I serve these veggie nuggets with?

They’re amazing with ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, a creamy ranch dip, or even a sweet chili sauce! They’re also fantastic served alongside a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy nuggets (TVP) are gluten-free. You might need to adjust the breadcrumbs slightly depending on the moisture content of your mixture.

Do I have to use soy nuggets?

While the soy nuggets (TVP) add a great texture, you can omit them if you prefer, or substitute with finely chopped mushrooms or extra grated vegetables for a softer nugget. You might need to add a bit more breadcrumbs if you omit them.