Frying Chicken Nuggets: How Long Until They're Done?

Chicken nuggets are a popular dish, enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be made in an oven, air fryer, or deep fryer, and the cooking time varies depending on the method. When deep-frying chicken nuggets, it is important to heat the oil to the right temperature, usually around 350°F, and cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. The cooking time can range from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the nuggets and the desired level of crispiness. It is important to ensure that both sides of the nuggets are thoroughly cooked before removing them from the oil.

Oil temperature and type

The type of oil you use for frying chicken nuggets is important. It's best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high heat required for deep frying without burning and will not impart much flavour to the chicken nuggets, allowing the taste of the chicken to shine.

When heating the oil, it's important to use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays consistent throughout the frying process. The ideal temperature range for frying chicken nuggets is 350-375°F (175-190°C). Allowing the oil to get too hot can result in burnt breadcrumbs and undercooked chicken, while oil that is not hot enough will result in soggy nuggets that have absorbed too much oil.

To test if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer, you can carefully add a drop of water to the pan—if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying. It's also important to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy nuggets. Fry the chicken in batches, giving the oil time to return to the proper temperature between batches.

Brining the chicken

Brining your chicken is an important step in achieving the perfect fried chicken. Brining is the process of submerging your chicken in a solution of salt and water, sometimes with added flavours, to add moisture and flavour to the meat. You can fry chicken without brining, but it is highly recommended to brine for the best results.

How to Brine Chicken

To make a basic brine, dissolve 2-4 tablespoons of kosher salt in 4 cups of lukewarm water. You can add a few tablespoons of sugar to the mixture, along with some fresh herbs or chopped garlic. Place the chicken in the solution, cover, and leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

For a buttermilk brine, dissolve 2 tablespoons of kosher salt in 4 cups of buttermilk, along with some black pepper. Add the chicken to the solution, cover, and leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

Brining your chicken ensures that it will be juicy and tender. The salt in the brine helps to break down the proteins in the meat, and the water is absorbed, keeping the chicken moist. The other ingredients in the brine also add flavour to the chicken.

Other Brine Options

There are many different brine options to try, each adding a unique flavour to your chicken. Try a pickle brine, a cola brine, a cider brine, or a combination of your choice!

Battering and breading

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you begin battering and breading, it is important to prepare your chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins, which are already in strips, and simply cut them into smaller pieces. If you prefer, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a darker meat option.

Step 2: Create the Battering Mix

In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your choice of seasonings. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking soda. The baking soda is an important ingredient as it raises the pH level of the chicken, promoting browning and making your nuggets crispier. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Battering Mix

In a separate bowl, create a wet batter by whisking together eggs and buttermilk. The buttermilk adds flavour, tenderises the meat, and keeps it juicy. It also has an acidic element that reacts with the baking soda in the dry mix to promote browning and crisping. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with milk.

Step 4: Prepare the Breading

Place Panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crunchier exterior. If you don't have Panko, you can use traditional breadcrumbs or make your own breadcrumbs from leftover bread.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Now it's time to batter and bread your chicken! First, coat the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour. Then, dip them into the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Once all your chicken pieces are battered and breaded, let them rest on a wire rack for a few minutes while you heat the oil for frying. This step helps the breading adhere better to the meat during cooking.

Step 7: Fry the Chicken

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a deep pan. Fry the chicken nuggets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry until the nuggets are a deep golden brown, which should take around 2-4 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Drain and Serve

Remove the cooked nuggets from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve your chicken nuggets hot with your favourite dips and sides!

Tips for the Best Chicken Nuggets:

• Give the breaded chicken time to rest and dry for a few minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better during cooking.
• Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F for crispy nuggets. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy.
• Never cover your warm fried chicken nuggets with foil, as this traps steam and moisture, making them soggy.
• For an extra juicy and tender nugget, try brining the chicken before battering and breading. Simply soak the chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture for at least 3 hours or overnight.
• For an extra crispy exterior, double-coat the chicken by repeating the battering and breading process.
• Season the chicken nuggets immediately after frying, while they are still warm, so that the seasoning adheres to the crispy coating.

Frying time

The frying time for chicken nuggets varies depending on the method of frying and the size of the nuggets. Here is a detailed breakdown of the frying times for different methods:

Deep Frying

When deep-frying chicken nuggets, it is important to heat the oil to the right temperature, usually around 350°F (177°C). The frying time can range from 2 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of the nuggets. For example, larger nuggets may take around 5-7 minutes to cook thoroughly, while smaller nuggets may only need 2-3 minutes. It is important to fry the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can affect the cooking time and temperature.

Air Frying

Air fryer chicken nuggets are typically cooked at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer and the size of the nuggets, but on average, it takes about 8 minutes to cook the nuggets, flipping them halfway through. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the nuggets in batches if needed.

Pan Frying

When pan-frying chicken nuggets, it is important to use a heavy-bottomed pan and heat the oil to around 350°F (177°C). The frying time can range from 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the size of the nuggets. As with other methods, it is crucial not to overcrowd the pan and to cook the nuggets in batches if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat chicken nuggets, preheat the fryer to 350°F (177°C) or 375°F (190°C) for an air fryer. Place the nuggets in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

In conclusion, the frying time for chicken nuggets can vary depending on the method of frying, the equipment used, and the size of the nuggets. It is important to monitor the frying process closely and adjust the timing as needed to ensure the nuggets are cooked thoroughly and safely.

Reheating

When it comes to reheating chicken nuggets, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on whether you're reheating room temperature or frozen nuggets, and whether you're using an air fryer or an oven.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and place the nuggets inside in a single layer. Reheat room temperature nuggets for 2-3 minutes, and frozen nuggets for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 400°F and place the nuggets on a baking sheet. Reheat room temperature nuggets for about 10 minutes, and frozen nuggets for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It's worth noting that chicken nuggets are generally best when they're fresh and crispy, and that they may not be as crispy when reheated.

Frequently asked questions