Deep Frying Chicken Nuggets: How Long Is Too Long?

Chicken nuggets are a beloved food for many, especially children. They are easy to make and can be made in a deep fryer. To make chicken nuggets in a deep fryer, you need to first prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness and cutting it into your desired nugget size. Then, you need to set up a breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Next, heat oil in your deep fryer to 325°F-350°F. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the fryer in batches, frying for 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Finally, remove the chicken nuggets from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Chicken nugget preparation

Ingredients

To make chicken nuggets, you will need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Oil for frying (co: 15>vegetable, canola, olive, peanut, sunflower, or corn oil)
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs (co: 6,15>plain or seasoned)
• Egg
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: sesame seeds, garlic powder, hot sauce, buttermilk, cayenne, and/or paprika

Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

• A deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot with high sides
• A thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Paper towels
• A wire rack (optional)
• A baking sheet (optional)
• A bowl for the dry mixture
• A bowl for the wet mixture

Preparation

Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness—this will ensure even cooking. Place plastic wrap or a Ziploc-style bag over the chicken before pounding to reduce the risk of contamination. Then, cut the chicken into your desired nugget size.

Next, create a breading station by placing the flour, breadcrumbs, and egg mixture in separate shallow bowls. Season the flour with salt, black pepper, and/or garlic powder. If you are using plain breadcrumbs, you can add garlic powder and salt to the bowl. If you are using buttermilk, place this in a separate bowl from the egg and water mixture.

Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs to completely coat the nugget. Ensure any excess batter drips off.

Now, fill your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with oil, being careful not to fill it more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 325°F-350°F. You can use a deep-fry thermometer to help get the temperature right.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken nuggets to the fryer, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the nuggets for 2-4 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack set on a baking sheet.

Serve the chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite condiments, such as ranch, fry sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.

Tips

• You can reheat chicken nuggets in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwaving them will make them soggy.
• You can freeze cooked chicken nuggets for up to 3 months and reheat them when ready to eat.
• If you are frying frozen chicken nuggets, heat the oil to a higher temperature (around 190°C) before adding the nuggets, then lower the temperature to 180°C and fry for 3-4 minutes.
• If your chicken nuggets are soggy, it may be because your oil isn't hot enough.

Deep fryer setup

To set up your deep fryer for chicken nuggets, start by rinsing your chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1x1x1/2-inch pieces, or to your desired nugget size. Place the chicken in a bag or wrap it in plastic, then pound it with a mallet to an even thickness. This is important for even cooking.

Next, create a breading station by placing flour, breadcrumbs, and an egg mixture in separate shallow bowls. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, and stir the flour and sesame seeds into the egg mixture until a smooth batter forms. Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat it completely.

Now, fill your deep fryer with corn oil, ensuring it is no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 350°F. You can test the temperature with a quick-read thermometer.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few pieces of battered chicken into the fryer at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the chicken nuggets for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the cooked nuggets from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt, if desired, and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Frying times

For example, if you are frying frozen nuggets, you should heat your oil to 190°C and then lower the temperature to 180°C once you have added the nuggets. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes. If you are frying fresh nuggets, heat your oil to 350°F and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Alternatively, heat your oil to 325°F and fry for 3 to 4 minutes.

It is important to avoid overcrowding the pan or pot when frying, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop. Fry your nuggets in batches to avoid this.

You can check if your nuggets are cooked by using a quick-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F when fully cooked. You can also check by looking at the colour of the nuggets—they should be golden brown when done.

Frying temperatures

Frying chicken nuggets requires a frying temperature of around 350°F (176.6°C). This temperature is recommended for both deep frying and pan frying.

For deep frying, heat the oil to 350°F and fry the chicken nuggets for a total of about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The nuggets should be cooked in batches, with a few pieces added to the oil at a time, and turned halfway through. The exact frying time will depend on the size of the nuggets, with larger chicken tenders requiring 3-4 minutes per side.

For pan frying, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Then, fry the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side. It is important to not overcrowd the pan, as this will affect the cooking time and temperature.

The internal temperature of the chicken nuggets should reach 165°F, which can be checked using a quick-read thermometer.

Air frying is another option for cooking chicken nuggets, which results in a lower oil content compared to deep-fat frying. Air frying temperatures can vary between 160-190°C, with a higher temperature and frying time resulting in a crispier nugget.

Serving suggestions

To make chicken nuggets in a deep fryer, start by pounding chicken to an even thickness. Cut the chicken into your desired nugget size. Then, set up a breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the egg mixture and a dash of cayenne to the flour for spicy nuggets. Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then egg, and finally in breadcrumbs to coat completely.

Fill your deep fryer with corn, peanut, or vegetable oil, no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 325°F-350°F. Carefully add the battered chicken to the hot oil, working in batches to not overcrowd the fryer. Fry the nuggets for about 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your nugget-eating experience:

• Dipping Sauces: Set out an array of sauces for dipping. Classics like fry sauce, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are always a hit. But don't be afraid to get creative with options like marinara sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Sides: Chicken nuggets go well with a variety of sides. Try some crispy potato wedges, homemade French fries, or onion rings. For a more wholesome option, serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Mac and Cheese: This creamy, cheesy comfort food is a perfect pairing for chicken nuggets. You can find simple recipes with just a few ingredients that will impress both kids and adults alike.
• Chicken Tender Platters: Instead of cutting the chicken into nugget shapes, use whole chicken tenderloins. Bread and fry them the same way you would the nuggets. These can be a great option for those who prefer a heartier bite.
• Baked Nuggets: For a slightly healthier alternative, bake your breaded chicken nuggets on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Spritz them with oil or cooking spray to help them brown. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spicy Nuggets: Kick things up a notch by adding some spice to your nuggets. Include hot sauce in the egg mixture and a dash of cayenne to the seasoned flour. These nuggets will satisfy those who crave a little extra heat.
• Party Platters: Chicken nuggets are excellent for parties or gatherings. Set up a nugget bar with various dips and toppings, letting guests customize their own plates. It's a fun and interactive way to serve this dish.
• Salads: For a lighter option, serve your chicken nuggets on a bed of mixed greens with your choice of vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. This option provides a balance of flavors and textures.
• Sandwiches: Create chicken nugget sandwiches by placing the nuggets between soft buns with your choice of toppings and sauces. Try a classic combination like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, or get creative with different cheeses, pickles, or onion slices.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and serving styles to find your favorite combinations. Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways, so don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

Frequently asked questions