Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Nuggets, Best Method?

Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy texture on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. It's a convenient, healthier alternative to deep-fried or oven-baked nuggets, with no need for defrosting and minimal clean-up required.

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost your chicken nuggets before cooking them in the air fryer. In fact, you can simply tear open the bag or box and dump them straight into the appliance. This is a great option if you have hungry kids who can't wait to eat!

Chicken nuggets are one of the easiest things you can cook in your air fryer. They are already pre-cooked, so it's a quick and easy method. You can also cook them straight from frozen, which means you don't have to worry about remembering to take them out of the freezer ahead of time.

To cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, preheat your appliance to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the desired amount of nuggets into the basket in a single layer—do not stack or overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook in batches. There is no need to add oil to the basket or the nuggets themselves.

Cook for around 5–12 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't overcook. The nuggets are ready when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making frozen chicken nuggets. While some air fryers don't require preheating, it is generally recommended to do so for 3-5 minutes to ensure your chicken nuggets cook evenly and come out crispy.

The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to depends on whether your chicken nuggets are precooked or uncooked. Precooked nuggets should be cooked at a higher temperature of 400°F, while uncooked nuggets should be cooked at 350°F.

If your air fryer has a capacity of 5.8 quarts like the Cosori air fryer, you can cook about 14 nuggets at a time. However, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Oil spray is optional

When cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, you may be wondering if you need to use oil spray. The answer is no—oil spray is not necessary! Frozen chicken nuggets already have oil in them, so they will cook up crispy and golden brown without any additional oil.

However, if you prefer your nuggets to be extra crispy, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the nuggets. You can also lightly spray the nuggets themselves with oil for added crispness. This is entirely optional, though, and your nuggets will turn out delicious either way.

It's important to note that if you do use oil spray, it should be a cooking spray that is safe for air fryers. Additionally, be sure to place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not stacked or overlapped, as this will ensure even cooking.

So, whether you choose to use oil spray or not, your air-fried frozen chicken nuggets are sure to be crispy, juicy, and delicious!

Don't overcrowd the basket

Yes, you can cook frozen nuggets in an air fryer! But there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they come out crispy and delicious. One of the most important is not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.

When cooking any food in an air fryer, it's important to give the items enough space so that the hot air can circulate properly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and, worse, soggy nuggets. Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior. If the basket is overcrowded, the hot air can't circulate effectively, leading to uneven cooking and a less-than-desirable end result.

So, how do you avoid overcrowding the basket? Firstly, it's important to cook in batches. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in two or more batches. This ensures that there is enough space between each nugget for the hot air to circulate. Place the nuggets in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. If they are overlapping or stacked, they won't cook evenly.

Additionally, it's a good idea to give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking time. This will help ensure that the nuggets cook evenly on all sides. If you're cooking multiple batches, you can keep the cooked nuggets warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining batches. This way, you can still enjoy a plate of crispy, hot nuggets without sacrificing texture or taste!

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your frozen nuggets come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. So, don't overcrowd that air fryer basket and enjoy the convenience of cooking your favourite snack with ease!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and the size of the nuggets. The cooking time will also depend on whether the chicken is already fully cooked or not. Most products on the market are already fully cooked, but some brands are raw and will need to be cooked for longer to ensure they are safe to eat.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is completely cooked. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F.

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the basket. There is no need to brush or spray the basket with oil.
• For fully cooked frozen chicken nuggets, cook for 7-12 minutes. Flip the chicken or shake the basket halfway through for even browning (optional).
• For raw chicken nuggets, extend the cooking time by a few minutes and check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Check your nuggets at the 7- or 8-minute mark. If you want them a little extra crispy, add a few extra minutes, but do not cook for more than 12 minutes total.
• If your nuggets are getting too dark too quickly, turn the temperature down by 25°F. If they are not browning fast enough, turn the temperature up or extend the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions