How do you connect n8n to an AI client with MCP?

To connect n8n to an AI client with n8n-mcp, register the n8n instance in the gateway, store the n8n API key server-side, create a platform API key and add the hosted MCP endpoint to a compatible client such as Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code or Zed. Start with read-only tools, confirm the client can list workflows, then enable write or execution tools according to your team policy.

1. Step 1

   Create or choose the self-hosted n8n instance that should be available to AI clients.

2. Step 2

   Add the public n8n base URL and n8n API key to n8n-mcp so the gateway can route workflow requests.

3. Step 3

   Create a platform API key for the AI client that will call the hosted MCP endpoint.

4. Step 4

   Configure the client with the MCP URL and platform key, then test a safe read-only workflow tool.