Air-Fryer Dino Nuggets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and healthy way to cook food, and they can be used to make dino nuggets—a fun, kid-approved meal. Dino nuggets are chicken nuggets in the shape of dinosaurs, and they can be made in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights or a quick snack.

How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 12 to 16 frozen dino nuggets (any brand)
• Oil spray (optional)
• Ketchup or Ranch for dipping (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
• Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray (optional).
• Place your dino nuggets in the air fryer, leaving space between each one for the hot air to circulate properly.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Flip the nuggets and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or ranch dressing.

Tips

• You can skip the preheating and oil spray steps as dino nuggets are already cooked.
• Leave space around your nuggets to allow the hot air to flow between them and make the breading crispier.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• If you have leftover dino nuggets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the desired amount of nuggets in your air fryer, leaving space around them for the air to circulate. Cook at 350 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

How to reheat dino nuggets in an air fryer

Dino nuggets are a fun and quick meal to make for kids and picky eaters. They can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen in under 10 minutes and are a great alternative to using a microwave or oven.

Place the desired amount of dino nuggets in the air fryer basket, leaving space around them for the air to circulate. It is recommended to not overcrowd the basket and to leave a small gap between each nugget. Spritz the nuggets with oil spray to help them crisp up.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Tips:

• No need to grease or preheat the air fryer as the nuggets are already cooked.
• Flipping the nuggets and leaving space around them will help achieve an even crispiness on all sides.
• The size of the nuggets may vary depending on the brand, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and sides!

Best dipping sauces for dino nuggets

Dino nuggets are a fun and easy meal to make for kids and adults alike. While some might be content with the classic combination of ketchup and nuggets, there are several other sauces you can try to elevate your dino nugget experience. Here are some of the best dipping sauces for dino nuggets:

Honey Mustard

A well-known combination, honey mustard is a classic choice for dipping nuggets. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the nuggets.

Barbecue Sauce

Add a tangy twist to your nuggets with barbecue sauce. You can opt for a sweet and smoky southern-style BBQ sauce or mix things up with variations like honey BBQ or Red Robin's Campfire Sauce, which combines BBQ sauce with mayo and spices.

Ranch Dressing

Creamy ranch dressing is a versatile dip that pairs well with dino nuggets. You can find buttermilk ranch at many fast-food restaurants, or get creative and make your own version at home by adding ingredients like hot sauce or avocado.

Buffalo Sauce

If you're looking for a spicy kick, dip your nuggets in buffalo sauce. Distinguished by its bright orange hue, buffalo sauce is a classic choice for wings, and it works just as well with nuggets.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

For a sweet and tangy experience, try dipping your nuggets in sweet and sour sauce. The apricot and peach-flavored version offered by McDonald's is a popular choice, or you can experiment with other variations like Wendy's red-orange version, which includes peppers and pineapples.

Hot Sauce

For those who like it hot, sriracha or another hot sauce can add a spicy kick to your dino nuggets. Try making your own creamy sriracha dipping sauce at home or pairing your nuggets with a store-bought variety.

Tzatziki Sauce

Cooling cucumber and tangy Greek yogurt come together in tzatziki sauce, making it the perfect complement to spicy dino nuggets. The creamy texture and refreshing flavor will help offset the heat of your spicy nuggets.

Special Sauce

When in doubt, go for a special sauce. The signature sauces at McDonald's and Wendy's have a ketchup-mayo mashup taste that you can easily replicate at home.

Honey

A staple in the south and midwest of the United States, honey is a sweet and sticky treat for your nuggets. Dipping your nuggets in honey will add a delightful sweetness to your meal.

Best sides to serve with dino nuggets

Dino nuggets are a fun and versatile meal option for kids and adults alike. They are also a great way to encourage picky eaters to finish their food. While these bite-sized chicken treats are delicious on their own, serving them with tasty sides can make the meal even more enjoyable and nutritious. Here are some of the best sides to serve with dino nuggets:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal. Broccoli, for example, can be roasted to perfection and is a vegetable that kids often enjoy. You can also get creative and make a "dinosaur landscape" on the plate using broccoli trees and mashed potato mountains. Other vegetable options include whole roasted carrots, rainbow vegetable skewers, or zucchini fries.

Fries

What's not to love about fries? They are a classic side dish that goes well with dino nuggets. You can make them in the air fryer for extra crispiness. Try shoestring fries, sweet potato fries, or even tater tots for a fun twist.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a kid-friendly favourite that can be made in an instant pot or slow cooker. It's a creamy and cheesy dish that can be customised with vegetables like spinach or butternut squash for an extra nutritional boost.

Salads

Salads can be a refreshing side dish to balance out the heartiness of dino nuggets. Try a tomato cucumber salad, a couscous corn salad, or a creamy broccoli salad. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make a fruit salad with blueberries, melon, and feta.

Dipping Sauces

While not exactly a side dish, dipping sauces are a must-have when serving dino nuggets. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard are classic options. But don't be afraid to get creative and mix things up, like combining mayo and buffalo wing sauce for a tasty dip.

How to cook dino nuggets in an oven or microwave

Oven

If you're cooking dino nuggets in the oven, preheat your oven to either 350°F or 425°F. Place a single layer of nuggets on a baking sheet, leaving space between each nugget. Heat in the center of the oven for 5 to 13 minutes, depending on the brand of dino nuggets and the desired crispiness. For a crispier product, turn the nuggets over halfway through the heating time. Let the nuggets stand for 1-3 minutes before serving.

Microwave

To cook dino nuggets in the microwave, place a single layer of nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for 1 minute per 4 or 5 nuggets, turning the nuggets over halfway through. If you are cooking a larger number of nuggets, heat 5 nuggets on high for 1.5 minutes or until warm, and adjust the heating time as needed. Let the nuggets stand for 1-3 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions