Air-Fried Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken nuggets are a quick and easy meal to make, especially when cooked in an air fryer. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and frozen or fresh. Air-fried chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to deep-fried nuggets as they require little to no oil, resulting in a lower-calorie, lower-fat meal. They are also a convenient option for those short on time, as air fryers heat up quickly and can cook nuggets in as little as 5-15 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. Set your air fryer to 375°F-400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This is the optimal temperature range for cooking chicken nuggets, and the few minutes of preheating will ensure that your nuggets are cooked perfectly.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking the nuggets at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, while others recommend 375°F for 8-12 minutes. The optimal temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is a good idea to consult your air fryer's instructions. Additionally, the size of the nuggets will impact the cooking time, with smaller nuggets cooking faster than larger ones.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket is hot before adding the nuggets. This helps the nuggets cook more evenly and gives them a crispier texture. It is also crucial not to overcrowd the basket. Place the nuggets in a single layer, giving them space to ensure that the hot air can circulate. If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the nuggets in a single layer, you can cook them in two batches.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple step that makes a big difference in the quality of your chicken nuggets. By following the recommended temperature and timing guidelines, you can ensure that your nuggets are cooked evenly and have that desirable crispy texture.

Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer

When cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer. This is because the hot air needs to be able to circulate around each nugget to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. If the chicken nuggets are overlapping or stacked on top of each other, they will likely end up soggy.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. For example, a Cosori air fryer can fit about 14 nuggets, while other models may vary. By cooking the nuggets in batches, you ensure that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate effectively.

When placing the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, make sure that they do not touch each other. This allows for even cooking and browning on all sides. It is important to give them sufficient space so that they can cook properly and achieve the desired crispy texture.

The number of chicken nuggets you can cook at once will depend on the size and shape of the nuggets, as well as the capacity of your air fryer. Smaller nuggets will require less space, while larger or thicker nuggets may need more room to ensure even cooking. It is important to adjust the quantity of nuggets accordingly to avoid overcrowding.

By arranging the chicken nuggets in a single layer and giving them adequate space, you can ensure that they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture that is characteristic of air-fried foods. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final result, ensuring that your chicken nuggets are not only tasty but also have a pleasing texture.

Cooking time and temperature

When cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (206°C). However, if your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step.

The cooking time for chicken nuggets in an air fryer varies depending on the brand, the size and shape of the nuggets, and the model of the air fryer. Smaller nuggets will generally take less time to cook, while larger ones may require more time. On average, chicken nuggets will take between 5 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Some sources recommend cooking chicken nuggets for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then letting them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

It is important to ensure that the chicken nuggets are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack, with space between them so they do not touch. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

To check if the chicken nuggets are done, you can use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Flipping the chicken nuggets

When cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it is essential to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

The cooking time for chicken nuggets in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the nuggets, as well as the specific air fryer model. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the nuggets to prevent overcooking or burning.

By flipping the chicken nuggets halfway through the cooking time, you can ensure that both sides of the nuggets attain the desired crispiness. Using tongs or shaking the basket gently can help achieve this without disrupting the cooking process.

It is worth noting that some air fryers may run hotter than others, so adjusting the cooking time and temperature accordingly is essential. Additionally, for frozen chicken nuggets, there is no need to thaw them before placing them directly into the air fryer, as they are typically pre-cooked.

Serving suggestions

Chicken nuggets cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Dipping Sauces

Chicken nuggets and dipping sauces go hand in hand. You can serve them with your favourite sauce, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, Chick-fil-A sauce, or sweet and sour sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade sauces.

Side Dishes

Air fryer chicken nuggets can be a great addition to a meal as a side dish. Try pairing them with oven-baked steak fries, sweet potato fries, homemade mac and cheese, sautéed vegetables, or a pasta salad.

Appetizers and Snacks

These nuggets can also be served as appetizers or snacks. Toss them with buffalo sauce to make boneless buffalo wings, or wrap them in a tortilla shell with your favourite fresh toppings.

Main Course

For a heartier meal, serve the chicken nuggets as the main course. You can pair them with mashed potatoes and gravy, or macaroni and cheese. You can even add them to a salad for a lighter option.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the nuggets back in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the chicken lose its crispiness.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to customize your chicken nuggets. You can try adding Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, or even unsweetened coconut flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions