Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Chicken nuggets are a universally loved food, and they're even better when they're crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can easily make them in an air fryer—and you don't even have to defrost them first! Simply preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the frozen nuggets for around 5 to 12 minutes. You don't need to add any oil, and it's best to cook them in a single layer so that they crisp up evenly. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

No need to defrost

You can cook frozen chicken nuggets straight from the freezer. There is no need to defrost them first. This is because frozen chicken nuggets are already pre-cooked, so you are essentially just heating them up to be crispy.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer

Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, leaving space between them so they do not touch. You want the hot circulating air to crisp all sides and edges of the nuggets. If they are stacked or overlapping, they won't cook evenly.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (206 degrees Celsius). If your air fryer does not require preheating, skip this step.

Air fry for 5-12 minutes, until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the basket. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard sauce, or barbecue sauce.

Tips

• There is no need to spray the chicken nuggets with oil before air frying.
• You do not need to flip the chicken nuggets halfway through, but you can if you want. If you are using a solid tray or pan, you should flip them to get a crispy texture on both sides.
• The exact cooking time will depend on the brand, your air fryer, and the size and thickness of the chicken nuggets.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making chicken nuggets. It ensures that your chicken nuggets will cook evenly and guarantees a crispy texture. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 206 degrees Celsius. This step can be skipped if your air fryer does not require preheating.

Preheating your air fryer will also ensure that your chicken nuggets are cooked to perfection every time. The hot air circulating in the air fryer gives the chicken nuggets a crispy exterior with a juicy and tender center. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, it should take around 7 minutes to preheat.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed to cook your chicken nuggets. Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. This will ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. Depending on the brand and size of your chicken nuggets, cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165℉.

No need to add oil

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer. It's a quick and convenient way to prepare them, and you don't need to add any oil to the cooking process.

When using your air fryer, simply place the frozen chicken nuggets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the temperature to 350°F to 400°F, which is the ideal temperature range for cooking chicken nuggets. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the nuggets, as well as the specific air fryer model, but it typically takes around 10 to 12 minutes.

There is no need to add oil to the chicken nuggets when cooking them in an air fryer. The air fryer's cooking method uses hot air circulation to crisp up the food, so you still get that delicious, crispy exterior without the need for added oil. This makes the cooking process healthier and also reduces the mess and smoke that can sometimes occur when oil is used.

By not adding oil, you also eliminate the risk of the oil burning or smoking, which can happen if the temperature is too high or the oil comes into contact with certain parts of the air fryer. Without oil, the cooking process is more straightforward and hassle-free, and you still get tasty, crispy chicken nuggets.

Simply cook the nuggets according to the instructions, and then serve them with your favorite dips or sides. Enjoy the convenience of cooking frozen chicken nuggets in your air fryer without the added oil!

Single layer of nuggets

Cooking Frozen Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer

If you're cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it's best to arrange them in a single layer in the basket. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each nugget, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior.

When arranging the nuggets in a single layer, leave a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to reach the entire surface of the nugget, promoting even cooking. If you crowd the basket by placing the nuggets too close together, the hot air may not circulate effectively, leading to uneven cooking and soggy spots.

For best results, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the frozen nuggets. This helps to create a consistent cooking environment and ensures that the cooking time remains accurate. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F.

Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of nuggets and the specific model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 10-12 minutes for the nuggets to be cooked through and golden brown. It's a good idea to shake the basket or gently turn the nuggets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Once done, transfer the nuggets to a plate and let them cool down slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and safely cooked chicken nuggets!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer is generally agreed to be around 400°F (200-206°C). However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 375°F. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken nuggets.

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the nuggets, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Most sources suggest a cooking time of 8-12 minutes for frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer. However, some sources recommend a shorter cooking time of 5-9 minutes or a longer cooking time of up to 15 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your nuggets to ensure they don't burn, and to use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 160°165°F.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between them so they don't touch. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides of the nuggets. If they are stacked or overlapping, they will not cook evenly. You may need to cook the nuggets in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions