Deep-Frying Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken nuggets are a popular dish for both children and adults, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and deep frying. Deep-fried chicken nuggets are cooked by submerging them in hot oil, which gives them a crispy texture and juicy interior. While deep frying is a popular method for cooking chicken nuggets, some people prefer to use an air fryer, which is healthier and creates a similar crispy texture without the need for a large amount of oil. This introduction will explore the different methods for cooking chicken nuggets, with a focus on deep frying and the use of air fryers as a healthier alternative.

Oil temperature

When cooking chicken nuggets in a deep fat fryer, the oil temperature is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness and ensuring the nuggets are cooked through. The ideal temperature range for frying chicken nuggets is between 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the oil should be heated to the desired temperature before adding the chicken. This can be done by using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, a simple way to test if the oil is hot enough is to add a drop of water to the pan. If it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying. Additionally, you can toss a small piece of bread into the oil, and if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.

When frying, it is recommended to cook the nuggets in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the fryer can cause the temperature to drop, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy nuggets. The nuggets should be cooked for approximately 2 to 6 minutes, depending on the size, or until they turn a deep golden brown and are no longer pink in the center.

After frying, it is important to let the oil temperature return to the desired range before adding another batch of nuggets. This ensures consistent cooking results. By maintaining the proper oil temperature, you can achieve crispy and delicious chicken nuggets that are safely cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken preparation

Selecting the Chicken

Start by choosing the right chicken for your nuggets. Chicken breasts are recommended for the best texture and flavour. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, about 1 to 1 1/4 inch in size. This ensures even cooking.

Brining (Optional)

If you want to add extra moisture and flavour to your chicken, you can brine it. Prepare a brine mixture by whisking together yogurt, salt, and water in a bowl until smooth. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and let them brine overnight or for at least 3 hours. After brining, remember to drain the chicken pieces completely.

Seasoning

Now, it's time to add some flavour! In a bowl, add your choice of seasonings to the chicken cubes. You can go classic with a combination of garlic powder, garam masala, and paprika or chilli powder. Or, get creative and experiment with Italian seasoning, lemon zest, dried thyme, or oregano. Don't forget to add some salt and black pepper to taste.

Battering

In a separate bowl, prepare a smooth batter by mixing egg and water. Add flour, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt to this mixture. Stir well. Now, dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Drain off any excess batter by gently shaking the chicken pieces.

Frying

Fill your deep fat fryer with corn oil or a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Do not fill the fryer more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 350°F. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, adding only a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry the nuggets for about 4 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown colour. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully turn the nuggets to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once done, remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve your chicken nuggets hot with your favourite dip or sauce!

Battering and breading

After seasoning, the chicken pieces are typically coated in a wet batter, which contributes to the nuggets' crispy texture. This batter is usually made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and water, with spices and mustard for added flavour and colour. The chicken pieces are dipped in the batter, allowing the excess to drain off before proceeding to the next step.

Following the battering process, the chicken nuggets are then breaded. This step involves coating the battered chicken pieces in breadcrumbs, which can be regular or seasoned. Panko breadcrumbs, a Japanese-style variety made from white bread without the crusts, are particularly popular for this purpose due to their light and airy texture, which absorbs less grease and results in crispier nuggets. The breading step may be done once or repeated for a thicker, crunchier coating.

After breading, the nuggets are typically rested on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the breading to dry and adhere to the meat during cooking. While the nuggets rest, oil is heated in a deep fryer or a large skillet/saucepan to a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Peanut oil or vegetable oil are commonly used due to their high smoke points and neutral flavour.

Once the oil is hot enough, the battered and breaded chicken nuggets are carefully placed into the deep fryer in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded, as this can lower the oil temperature. The nuggets are fried until they achieve a deep golden brown colour, typically for about 2-4 minutes, and are flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Finally, the cooked chicken nuggets are removed from the oil and drained on paper towels or a wire rack to absorb any excess oil. They are then ready to be served warm with your favourite dipping sauce.

Frying time

The frying time for chicken nuggets depends on the method you choose: deep frying, air frying, or oven baking.

Deep Frying

Deep frying is a popular method for cooking chicken nuggets. To deep fry chicken nuggets, heat oil in a deep fryer or a pan to 350°F. Place the chicken nuggets in the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets for 2-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Air Frying

For air frying, place the breaded chicken nuggets in a greased air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Baking

To oven-bake chicken nuggets, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken nuggets on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and spritz them with oil or cooking spray. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time.

Reheating

Chicken nuggets can be refrigerated and reheated without losing their crispiness. To reheat, place the nuggets on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or just until warmed through.

Serving suggestions

Chicken nuggets can be served as a snack, appetiser, or a meal. They are a popular choice for both adults and children, thanks to their bite-sized shape and crispy texture.

When it comes to serving homemade chicken nuggets, there are several ways to enjoy them. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ketchup, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic mayo. If you're serving them for dinner, consider pairing them with French fries or roasted vegetables on the side.

For an extra crispy texture, you can also air fry or bake the chicken nuggets. To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C and cook the nuggets for 5 to 7 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning. For baking, place the breaded chicken nuggets on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet, spritz them with oil or cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you're serving store-bought frozen chicken nuggets, it's important to follow the package instructions for the best results. However, as a general guide, you can reheat frozen chicken nuggets directly from the freezer at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Remember to exercise caution when deep-frying, as hot oil can cause serious burns. Always use long-handled utensils, such as tongs or a slotted spoon, to avoid getting too close to the hot oil. Enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets!

Frequently asked questions