Turkey nuggets are a favorite appetizer or main course that both kids and adults love. With a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior, turkey nuggets are easy to make at home and can be a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to make turkey nuggets from scratch so you can enjoy this tasty treat anytime.
Ingredients Needed
To make turkey nuggets you will need
- Ground turkey (you can use breast, thigh, or a mix)
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers/chips
- Eggs and milk
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs
- Oil for frying or baking
- Flour for dredging (optional)
Some optional mix-ins include grated parmesan, chopped onions or shallots, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, etc. The possibilities are endless for adding extra flavor.
Prepping the Turkey
Begin by placing the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl For 1 pound of meat, add in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs along with any additional mix-ins you desire Break up the meat thoroughly with a fork or your hands until well combined.
Crack 1 egg into the bowl followed by 1 tablespoon of milk or water. Add in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix everything together using your hands until it forms a sticky, uniform mixture.
To help the nuggets hold their shape, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This lets the breadcrumbs absorb moisture from the egg and turkey.
Shaping the Nuggets
Once chilled, use your hands to form tablespoon sized balls of the turkey mixture. Place the nuggets on a plate or baking sheet. For extra crispy nuggets, you can coat them with flour, dip in egg wash (beaten eggs), then coat in breadcrumbs.
At this point the nuggets can be refrigerated for several hours until ready to cook. Allowing them to rest again helps the coating adhere.
Cooking Methods
Oven Baking
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place nuggets on a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
Pan Frying
Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Fry nuggets for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
Air Frying
Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Ranch dressing or creamy dips
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ketchup or hot sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
For a complete meal, serve turkey nuggets alongside veggies, salad, rice, roasted potatoes or fries. They also make an easy protein packed lunch when paired with fresh fruit.
Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, cooked nuggets freeze well for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Turkey Nuggets
- Use ice cold ground turkey for easier shaping.
- Chill shaped nuggets before cooking for a crisp coating.
- Don’t overmix the meat or nuggets can become dense.
- Bread nuggets up to 4 hours before cooking.
- Cook nuggets until deep golden brown on both sides.
- Allow oil to reheat between batches for even cooking.
- Bake or reheat frozen nuggets at a lower temp to prevent burning.
Flavor Variations
There are so many possibilities when making turkey nuggets. Some ideas include:
- Italian – parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic
- Southwest – cumin, chili powder, cayenne, cilantro
- Lemon Pepper – lemon zest, black pepper, parsley
- Bacon and Cheese – crumbled bacon, cheddar, scallions
- Buffalo – hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles
- Greek – feta, garlic, lemon, oregano
So the next time you need a quick and tasty meal, give homemade turkey nuggets a try. With the endless flavor combinations, even picky eaters are sure to find something they love. Crispy and delicious turkey nuggets are easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or game day appetizer.
Makes: 12 nuggets
- 1-1/2 lb. cooked white turkey meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 Tbsp. milk
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- Breadcrumbs
- Honey mustard for dipping
Mix milk and honey in a small bowl. Put breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Dip turkey chunks in honey mixture, then roll each piece in breadcrumbs. Set breaded turkey on baking pan. Broil on low for a few minutes on each side, until slightly golden. Serve with honey mustard for dipping.
Make Your Own Happy Meal With Thanksgiving Turkey Nuggets
FAQ
How to make nuggets step by step?
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place the pieces between two layers of baking paper. …
- Tip the flour onto a plate and mix it with a pinch of salt. …
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then into the egg (shaking off the excess), and finally toss in the breadcrumbs.
How to tell if turkey nuggets are cooked?
However, you can prepare these turkey nuggets in a traditional fryer or an air fryer. You’ll know they are ready when they have a golden brown crispy exterior.Jan 5, 2023
How do you make turkey strips crispy in the air fryer?
Give the dredged turkey a quick spray with butter-flavored non-stick spray. Transfer the strips to your air fryer and cook for 9-10 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping once halfway through the cooking time. The strips should come out nice and crisp after about 10 minutes in the air fryer.
What to dip turkey nuggets in?
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Whisk together mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How do you make a fried turkey Nugget?
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Form the turkey mixture into small nuggets, about 1-inch in diameter. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
How do you cook turkey nuggets in a crock pot?
Stir water and baking powder together in a bowl (mixture should foam). Mix turkey, flour, egg, salt, and black pepper into water mixture. Form mixture into bite-sized nuggets. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry nuggets in hot vegetable oil until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes per side.
How do you cook turkey nuggets?
The best way to cook turkey nuggets is to fry them in hot oil. This will give them a crispy coating and juicy interior. However, you can also bake them in the oven if you prefer a healthier option. What is the best dipping sauce for turkey nuggets?
What are turkey nuggets?
Turkey nuggets are a delicious and easy way to enjoy turkey, whether you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or you’re looking for a new way to cook ground turkey. This recipe is simple to follow and can be easily adapted to your own preferences.
How do you cook turkey nuggets in cracker crumbs?
Toss each piece of turkey in the cracker crumbs to coat well. Gently press the cracker crumbs into the meat. Place the coated nuggets on a clean plate, and finish coating the remainder of the nuggets. If you have time, place the plate of nuggets in the fridge and let chill for 1 hour. This will help the coating adhere and stick during frying.
How do you eat leftover turkey nuggets?
Form mixture into bite-sized nuggets. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry nuggets in hot vegetable oil until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Making small, kid-friendly turkey nuggets from leftover cooked turkey is a great way to get another meal from that bird. You can use chicken, too.