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

Chicken nuggets are a favourite for many, and making them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. You can make chicken nuggets from scratch or cook frozen ones. Making them from scratch involves coating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with a mixture of breadcrumbs, spices, and other ingredients, before air-frying them for 8-12 minutes. You can also cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, without the need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, and they're ready to be served!

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken nuggets will cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture on the outside. So, when preparing to make chicken nuggets, be sure to preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

The preheating process is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, set the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F. Then, let the air fryer preheat for a short time before adding your chicken nuggets. This will ensure optimal cooking results.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken nuggets. Gather your frozen chicken nuggets and arrange them in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are not overlapping and have some space around them. This arrangement will allow the hot air to circulate properly and give your nuggets that perfect crispiness.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can carefully place your chicken nuggets inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture.

With the air fryer preheated and the nuggets properly arranged, you are now ready to start the cooking process. Set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. In just a few minutes, you'll have delicious, crispy chicken nuggets ready to enjoy!

Remember, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your chicken nuggets. It ensures even cooking and that desirable crispy texture we all love. So, don't skip this step and enjoy perfectly cooked chicken nuggets every time!

Use frozen chicken nuggets, no need to thaw

Using frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal with minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer without thawing them:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure perfect cooking every time. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding the frozen chicken nuggets. Not all air fryers require preheating, so you can skip this step if your model doesn't need it.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Take your favourite brand of frozen chicken nuggets out of the freezer. There is no need to thaw or defrost them beforehand. Simply arrange the desired amount of nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, making sure they don't overlap. Leave some space between the nuggets to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Nuggets

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the brand, size, and thickness of the chicken nuggets, but it typically takes between 5 and 12 minutes. For smaller nuggets, adjust the time accordingly, as they will need less time to cook.

Step 4: Serve the Chicken Nuggets

Once the chicken nuggets are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they are ready to be served. Use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard sauce, barbecue sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Tips for Success:

• No need to thaw: You can cook frozen chicken nuggets straight from the freezer. There is no need to thaw or defrost them first.
• Avoid overcrowding: Always cook the chicken nuggets in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. If they are stacked or overlapping, they may end up with a soggy texture instead of the desired crispiness.
• Adjust cooking time: Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of the chicken nuggets. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones may require a few extra minutes.
• Check the temperature: To ensure the chicken nuggets are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check their internal temperature. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Keep an eye on them: Different air fryers may vary in temperature, so it's important to monitor your chicken nuggets to ensure they don't burn.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your chicken nuggets. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your nuggets, but generally, you'll want to air-fry your chicken nuggets for 8-12 minutes.

During this time, the hot air circulated by the air fryer will cook the chicken nuggets evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking process and prevent even browning. If you're cooking a large batch of nuggets, you may need to cook them in batches or work in shifts.

While the nuggets are cooking, you can also prepare any sauces or dips you'd like to serve with them. Common choices include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Having these ready will allow you to serve the nuggets immediately while they're still hot and crispy.

After the initial cooking time of 8-12 minutes, it's a good idea to check on your nuggets and give them a gentle shake or turn to ensure even cooking on all sides. Depending on your air fryer and the size of your nuggets, they may need a few additional minutes. Larger or thicker nuggets may require a slightly longer cooking time, while smaller or thinner ones might be done sooner.

Remember that the goal is to cook the nuggets until they're golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're fully cooked and safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness, inserting it into the thickest part of the nugget to get an accurate reading.

No need to add oil to the air fryer

You sure can! Chicken nuggets are a perfect match for the air fryer. Quick, easy, and delicious, they cook to crispy perfection without the need for oil.

No Need For Oil

One of the great benefits of using an air fryer is that you can achieve that crispy, golden finish without adding oil. The air fryer cooks with hot air, so there's no need to add extra fat or grease. This makes it a healthier option, without sacrificing any of the taste or texture.

Simply place your chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the nuggets evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.

Set the temperature to 350°F to 400°F. You'll have perfectly cooked chicken nuggets in around 8-10 minutes. For extra crispy nuggets, give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking time. While no oil is required, you can give the nuggets a light spritz of cooking spray before air frying if you wish.

The key to achieving that crispy texture without oil is ensuring the air fryer is not overcrowded. Give the nuggets some space, and they'll cook evenly and perfectly every time. You can also try flipping them over gently with tongs or a spatula halfway through the cooking process for even crispiness.

So, there you have it. Delicious, crispy chicken nuggets with no oil needed. Quick, easy, and healthier—the air fryer is a game-changer for this family favorite.

Serve with your favourite sauce

There are so many sauces that you can serve with your chicken nuggets, and it's a great way to elevate your dish. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, ketchup, mustard, teriyaki sauce, hot sauce, and malt vinegar are all great options for dipping sauces. You can also get creative and make your own sauce, such as a Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce or a Yum Yum Sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like a fruit salad and yoghurt dip.

Meals

Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish and can be served as a meal with sides. You can serve them with sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, tortilla shells with fresh toppings, or even add them to a salad.

Spices

If you want to add a little kick to your nuggets, toss them in some buffalo sauce or spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or thyme.

Freezing and Reheating

Making a big batch of chicken nuggets and freezing them is a great way to always have some on hand. You can freeze them for up to 3 months and then reheat them in the air fryer whenever you're craving some.

So, get creative and experiment with different sauces and spices to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions