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

Chicken nuggets are a universal food that both adults and children adore. They are usually deep-fried, but an air fryer can be used to make them healthier and crispier. The cooking time for chicken nuggets in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or tenders
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Parmesan cheese
• Oil
• Salt and pepper
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper)

Optional Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Greek yoghurt

Method

• Cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces.
• Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, pepper, and any spices you wish to include.
• Dip each nugget first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated nuggets in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil.
• Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. You can flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Check that the nuggets are cooked through by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F/74°C.

Tips

• You can use buttermilk or a mixture of Greek yoghurt, water, and salt instead of eggs as a dipping liquid to help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Make sure the nuggets are all a similar size so that they cook evenly.
• You can freeze any leftover nuggets and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.

How to reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer

Reheating chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore them to their former glory. This method is especially useful for reviving fast-food chicken nuggets, such as McDonald's McNuggets, but it works equally well for homemade or frozen nuggets. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy and juicy reheated chicken nuggets.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the chicken nuggets crisp up nicely. The ideal temperature for preheating is around 360°F to 400°F (180°C). You can preheat for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Nuggets

Take your chicken nuggets out of the refrigerator. If they are frozen, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or cook them straight from frozen. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even heating and crispiness.

Step 3: Add a Little Oil

Brush or spray a tiny amount of oil onto the chicken nuggets. This step is optional but can help enhance the crispiness of the nuggets. Olive oil or a neutral cooking oil are good choices.

Step 4: Reheat the Chicken Nuggets

Air fry the chicken nuggets at 360°F to 400°F (180°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. For frozen nuggets, increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning. Check the nuggets occasionally to ensure they don't burn.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

Always ensure that reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to make sure it's safe to eat.

Tips:

• If you want to add seasoning, do so after applying oil and before air frying.
• Avoid reheating the same nuggets multiple times.
• If reheating a large batch, cook the nuggets in smaller batches to ensure even heating and crispiness.

Now you're all set to enjoy your crispy, juicy, and safely reheated chicken nuggets!

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer using frozen chicken

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken nuggets
• Your choice of dipping sauce (e.g. ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce)
• Optional: cooking spray or oil

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the frozen chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the nuggets with a meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked when it reaches 160-165°F.
• Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips:

• There is no need to defrost the chicken nuggets before adding them to the air fryer.
• No oil needs to be added to the air fryer.
• Preheating the air fryer is recommended but not essential.
• For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the nuggets halfway through.
• For crispier nuggets, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Notes:

• This method can also be used to cook other types of frozen, breaded chicken products, such as tenders or strips.
• To reheat chicken nuggets, place them in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes at 350-375°F.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer without using oil

Chicken nuggets are a beloved dish for both children and adults. This recipe will show you how to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer without using oil. The process is straightforward, and the end result is delicious, crispy, tender, and juicy chicken nuggets.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, etc.)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces, around 1-2 inches in length.
• Prepare the breading by mixing the panko breadcrumbs, flour, and desired spices in a bowl. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mixture for extra flavour.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk.
• Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat them with the breading. For thicker breading, repeat this process.
• Place the breaded chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken nuggets for 8-15 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Remove the chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. It's important to leave space between the nuggets to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring crispiness.
• For extra crispiness without using oil, spray the chicken nuggets with olive oil cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
• You can also double-dredge the chicken nuggets by dipping them into the egg mixture and breading a second time for an even thicker coating.
• If you prefer your chicken nuggets with a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• You can add various spices to the breading mixture to enhance the flavour, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

How to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer without defrosting chicken

Chicken nuggets are a great, easy meal to make for yourself or your family. If you're looking to make some without defrosting your chicken, an air fryer is the perfect appliance to use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer without defrosting your chicken.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Chicken breasts or tenderloins
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Parmesan cheese
• Oil
• Salt and pepper
• Any other spices you want to add (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper)

Step 1: Cut and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also buy chicken tenderloins, which are already the right size and shape. If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of egg, salt and pepper before coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In one bowl, mix together the flour and any desired spices. In a second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. You can also add salt, pepper and oil to this mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process for all your chicken pieces.

Step 4: Place the Nuggets in the Air Fryer

Generously grease your air fryer basket. Then, place the chicken nuggets inside in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil.

Step 5: Air Fry

Air fry your chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes at 400°F, or until they are golden brown. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy chicken nuggets that are ready to serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions