The best way to make the easiest meal even easier is to air fry frozen chicken nuggets. This way of cooking frozen nuggets is quick, easy, and always works out perfectly.
Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets?! I’m all for home-cooked meals. But I’m also all for convenience and the occasional frozen chicken nuggets meal. It’s about balance, right? Air Fryer Frozen Eggrolls and Air Fryer Frozen Fries are another staple in our house.
But these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets take an already super simple dinner and make it even simpler! No waiting for the oven to warm up, no 20+ minute cooking time…the air fryer has your meal ready to go in a matter of a few minutes.
Air frying frozen chicken nuggets is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy snack or meal. But getting the timing right is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. Undercook them and you’ll end up with soggy, unappetizing nuggets. Cook them too long and they’ll dry out. So how long exactly should you air fry frozen chicken nuggets? Through trial and error, I’ve dialed in the ideal time and temperature to help you make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken nuggets every time.
The Optimal Time and Temperature
8 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is the best time to air fry frozen chicken nuggets. They will be golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked and juicy on the inside.
Here’s a more detailed look at air fry times based on nugget size
- Small nuggets: 8 minutes
- Average nuggets: 10 minutes
- Large, thick nuggets: 12 minutes
I always start with the shortest cook time and check for doneness The nuggets should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they need a little longer, I air fry them in 1-2 minute increments, checking the temp each time
Tips for Maximum Crispiness
Achieving perfectly crispy air fried chicken nuggets goes beyond just temperature and time. Here are my top tips:
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Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the nuggets. This gives you a head start on crispiness.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in a single layer with space between each nugget.
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Lightly spray nuggets with oil (avocado, canola or vegetable oil work well). This enhances browning.
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Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
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Use parchment paper or liner to prevent sticking (if needed).
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Allow nuggets to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to mess up your crispy chicken nugget dreams. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:
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Forgetting to preheat
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Overcrowding the basket
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Not checking internal temperature
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Over or under cooking
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Using too much oil
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Stacking nuggets on top of each other
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Not allowing nuggets to rest before serving
Tips for Reheating and Storing Leftovers
What’s better than crispy fresh air fried chicken nuggets? Enjoying leftovers! Here’s how to revive and store them:
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Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Oven and microwave work too.
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Allow to cool completely before storing.
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Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
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Freeze for longer storage. Reheat directly from frozen.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve perfected the basic method, get creative with flavors! Before air frying, you can coat or sprinkle nuggets with:
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Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, etc.
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Spices – cayenne, cinnamon, curry powder, jerk seasoning, etc.
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Herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, etc.
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Sauces – buffalo, teriyaki, jerk, honey mustard, barbecue, etc.
After cooking, serve with an array of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, buffalo, sweet and sour, etc. The options are endless!
With the right time and temperature, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken nuggets from the comfort of your own kitchen. In just 8 to 12 minutes in a 400°F air fryer, you’ll have perfect nuggets ready to satisfy any craving. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding and undercooking, and you’ll be an air frying pro in no time. Now go forth and enjoy bite after bite of crispy breaded bliss!
How to make this recipe
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
Making chicken nuggets in the air fryer is about as easy as it gets! Simply add the nuggets in a single layer into the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 9-12 minutes, flip or shake the basket once.
Yep. That’s it! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce: Sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, ranch, or whatever floats your boat. My toddler loves this unsweetened ketchup (affiliate link).
Expert tips for success
- Preheat the air fryer. First, heat the air fryer up to 400ºF. Then, add the nuggets and wait a few minutes. This ensures perfect cooking every time!.
- No need to line or grease the basket. The extra step isn’t needed because there’s no real chance that the frozen nuggets will stick.
- Give them space. Do not stack the nugs too close to each other. Leave enough space between them for air to flow. Put them on top of each other or stack them, or they won’t get crispy. My Cosori air fryer holds about 14 nuggets, but the number will depend on the size of your air fryer.
- Frozen chicken nuggets air fryer time tip: Remember that the chicken nuggets you’re cooking will change the air fryer time. It will take longer for bigger nuggets than for smaller ones.
- Check the temp. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to tell when the nuggets are done cooking. The internal temperature should be 160ºF.
- Keep an eye on them. Because different air fryers get hot at different times, watch your nuggets carefully to make sure they don’t burn.
- Around the middle of the cooking time, give the basket a little shake to make the cooking more even.
In the air fryer! Trust me. Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the oven is plenty easy, but it’s even easier in the air fryer. And the texture is perfect every time. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, it might just be time to invest in one!.
Yes, they will just need less time to cook. About 6-8 minutes is usually perfect for me.
Not as many nuggets, but frozen french fries can be cooked at the same time to turn this into a meal. Just make sure the basket isn’t too full. Depending on the fries they might take a few minutes longer so either put them in before or let them cook a bit longer after taking out the nuggets.
We all know chicken nuggets are best with a couple of delicious dipping sauces! Serve these up with a side of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, Chick Fil A sauce, you name it!.
Once your frozen chicken nuggets are cooked, they are best served right away. What if you have leftovers? They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days if you put them in a container that won’t let air in.
Put it back in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
FAQ
Can You air Fry frozen chicken nuggets?
12. How long should I air fry frozen chicken nuggets? If you want golden, crispy chicken nuggets, 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is the best cooking time for frozen nuggets in an air fryer.
How long to cook chicken nuggets in air fryer?
At a temperature of 400°F (200°C), chicken nuggets should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes is the best time. How long the nuggets take to cook may depend on their size and the type of air fryer used.
Do you flip chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
While some air fryer models may require flipping halfway through the cooking process, most newer models cook the nuggets evenly without the need for flipping. However, if you’re using an older air fryer or notice uneven browning, a gentle flip halfway through can help ensure an even cook. 4. Can I cook a large batch of chicken nuggets at once?
How long do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Now, if you want to refine your air fryer skills further, check out these tips you need when cooking with an air fryer that go far beyond chicken. When making boneless chicken in an air fryer, cook for 12-15 minutes. For bone-in chicken, cook for 20-25 minutes.
Can You reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use your air fryer to reheat chicken nuggets. Simply place them in the air fryer basket for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through. 10. Can I season the chicken nuggets before air frying?
How long to cook frozen chicken nuggets?
The cook time for frozen chicken nuggets is generally around 12 to 15 minutes, but it’s advisable to check the packaging instructions as cooking times can vary. Shake the basket or flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a nice crispiness on all sides.
How long do you cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer generally takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken. For smaller pieces like nuggets or tenders, cooking time may be closer to 15-20 minutes. Larger pieces like chicken breasts or thighs will likely require the full 25-30 minutes.
How long to cook frozen chicken nuggets at 400 degrees?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place frozen nuggets baking sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, turning nuggets over halfway through heating time.
How long do you cook Tyson Fun nuggets in the air fryer?
er (Preferred Method) Set air fryer to 360°F. Heat for 7 minutes or until warm and crispy. Appliances vary. Heating time may need adjusting.