Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier than fast-food nuggets—leaner meat and no deep frying.
Made with ground turkey for budget-friendly simplicity and a soft texture kids will adore.
Easy to customize with spices, herbs, or cheese.
Great for batch cooking—freeze extras and reheat quickly for snacks or meals.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
3 tbsp ketchup (or 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¾ cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain) for the meat mixture
½ cup extra breadcrumbs for coating

directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup breadcrumbs until just combined.
Pour the remaining ½ cup breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl.
Form the turkey mixture into nugget-sized pieces (makes ~24). Roll each nugget in the extra breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20–23 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Optional: For extra crispness, broil for 1–2 minutes per side after baking.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 24 nuggets (roughly 4 servings).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–23 minutes (+ optional broiling)
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

Air fryer method: Preheat to 360 °F (180 °C), cook for 10–12 minutes with a light spray of oil—no flipping needed.
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, paprika, or hot sauce to the meat mix or breadcrumbs.
Cheesy twist: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar into the breadcrumbs for coating.
Whole grain option: Use whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs for a heartier texture.
Add-ins: Fold in finely shredded carrot, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Flash-freeze after baking, then seal and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- Oven/air fryer: 400 °F for 5–7 minutes until heated and crisp.
- Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Avoid microwave—it can make nuggets soggy.

FAQs

What’s the best type of breadcrumb to use?

Use fine or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for even coating; panko works too but can be coarsely processed for better adhesion.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Absolutely—use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond meal instead of regular breadcrumbs.

How can I prep ahead?

Mix the turkey and seasoning ahead, shape the nuggets, and refrigerate for up to a day before coating and baking.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Yes—flash‑freeze shaped nuggets, then later bake or air‑fry from frozen (add a few extra minutes to cooking time).

What internal temperature should they reach?

Bake until nuggets reach 165 °F (74 °C) internally, ensuring they’re safe and juicy.

Are these safe for toddlers?

Yes! Ground turkey makes them tender without choking risks. Just avoid excessive seasonings.

Can I shallow‑fry instead?

Yes—heat oil in a skillet and fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Can I substitute ground chicken?

Definitely—ground chicken works equally well; adjust seasonings to taste.

How do I make them crispier?

Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end or bake/air fry with a light spray of oil for crispier

What dipping sauces pair well?

Ketchup, BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, or sriracha mayo all make excellent companions.

Conclusion

These homemade ground turkey nuggets are an easy, wholesome upgrade to takeout favorites. With protein-rich turkey, simple pantry spices, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, they deliver comfort and convenience in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, kid-friendly lunches, or make-ahead freezer snacks—feel free to tweak the flavors and textures to suit your taste. Enjoy!