How To Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets In An Air Fryer

As a busy parent, I know it is challenging to find quick and easy meal options for a demanding family. Fortunately, an air fryer can help you overcome these challenges.

Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving way to provide your kids with a tasty and satisfying meal. It is an easy way to cook nuggets.

With the air fryer’s fast cooking time and minimal clean-up, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Plus, using an air fryer allows you to cook with no oil, making it a healthier option for your family.

Why cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer?

Air fryers are great at cooking frozen foods. When it comes to frozen chicken nuggets, I would not consider cooking them any other way.

Quick and easy – Using an air fryer to cook your chicken nuggets is one of the easiest things you can do with an air fryer. Simply take them from the freezer and put them in your pre-heated air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Faster than a conventional oven.

Crispier – Air fried chicken nuggets will be crispier than if fried or cooked in a traditional oven. The combination of the heat from the heating element and the circulated hot air will perfectly crisp your nuggets.

Healthier – You do not need to add any additional oil to the air fryer when cooking the chicken nuggets. Unlike deep frying. Any excess grease and juices that come out of the nuggets drip to the bottom of the air fryer and are not reabsorbed. Air fried chicken nuggets as a result contain less fat and fewer calories.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken nuggets?

It will take 8 minutes to cook your frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer pre-heated to 400 F (200 c).

Use a digital thermometer to check the nuggets are cooked (165 F /74 c). If you want the nuggets to be extra crispy, cook for an extra 2 minutes.

How to cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer

To air fry chicken nuggets so they are perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for air fryer chicken nuggets.

Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).

Step 2 – Add the chicken nuggets

Once the air fryer has pre-heated, remove the air fryer drawer and prepare the basket.

To reduce clean-up time and stop the nuggets from sticking to the air fryer basket add either…

• a silicone or pre-cut parchment paper air fryer liner
• a small amount of vegetable or olive oil to the basket (spray or brush it on)

Place the nuggets in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer with a little space between each nugget.

Step 3 – Cook

Cook the nuggets for 8 minutes at 400 F (200 c).

Step 4 – Turn

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to turn each nugget.

Step 5 – Check

After 8 minutes check to see if the chicken nuggets have crisped to your preference, if not cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6 – Serve

Once your nuggets are crisped to your preference, check the internal temperature using a digital meat thermometer. You are looking for a temperature of 165 F + to have confidence the chicken nuggets are cooked and safe to eat.

Remove the now golden brown chicken nuggets with tongs and serve with a yummy sauce to dip them in.

Optional – If you want to soak up any excess oil before serving place the nuggets on some paper towel and pat them a few times.

Top tips

To help you serve the perfect air-fried chicken nuggets here are some top tips to follow.

Single layer – For best results don’t overfill the basket with nuggets. This will result in uneven cooking and less crispy nuggets. Giving them space to allow the hot air circulating in the air fryer to crisp all sides of the nuggets. Cook in batches if needed.

Turn – To serve up chicken nuggets with a crispy coating on all sides. Turn the nuggets halfway through their cooking time.

Timings – Different air fryer models produce varying results. When cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer for the first time check on the nuggets to avoid overcooking. If needed cook the nuggets for more or less time to crisp to your preference.

Serving suggestions

Chicken nuggets can be a snack on their own or form part of an easy main meal.

If I need to feed the kids quickly, I serve the nuggets with some vegetables and french fries. It’s a great way to avoid any tantrums at mealtime when in a rush. Even with veg on the plate!

Another popular meal in our house is serving the nuggets as part of a “make it yourself” lunch. Here the nuggets are a delicious addition to a salad, dipping sauces, and tortilla wraps. The entire family can then choose what they want on their plate.

If wanting a simple snack, nuggets on their own with your favorite dipping sauce will hit the spot. BBQ sauce, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili sauce are favorites in our house.

Common questions

How do I store leftover chicken nuggets?

If you have cooked too many nuggets, allow them to cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. You can keep the nuggets in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Do not re-freeze them.

How do I reheat leftover chicken nuggets?

To reheat your leftover chicken nuggets, put them back into the air fryer and heat them at 380 F (193 c) for 5 minutes. Using the air fryer means your reheated nuggets are crispy. You could reheat them in a microwave, but they will not be crispy. An air fryer is the best way to reheat your leftover nuggets!

Can I cook any brand of chicken nugget in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook any brand of chicken nugget in an air fryer. You might need to tweak the timings, as different brands of nuggets can come in different sizes. We are talking a minute here or there.

Are chicken nuggets made from real chicken?

Yes, chicken nuggets are made from white meat chicken breasts or pectoral muscles. Other parts of the chicken can be mixed in.

I do though always check the packaging, especially if buying a new brand. I want to make sure that the nuggets are free of artificial ingredients and made from high quality farm raised chickens.

Can I cook dino chicken nuggets in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Tyson dino nuggets in an air fryer. Follow the same steps as I have outlined for standard chicken nuggets.

Related articles

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – All the best frozen food recipes in one place to help you make the most of your air fryer.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes – A collection of easy chicken air fryer recipes to provide you with inspiration and help you make the most of your air fryer.

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