Deep-Frying Chicken Nuggets: The Perfect Timing

Chicken nuggets are a family-friendly meal that can be made in about 30 minutes. They can be deep-fried, air-fried, or baked in the oven. When deep-frying chicken nuggets, it is important to heat the oil to the right temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through and gets crispy. The ideal temperature range for deep-frying chicken nuggets is between 315°F and 350°F. Fry the chicken nuggets in batches for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oil temperature for deep frying chicken nuggets

To make crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets, the oil temperature for deep frying should be around 350-375°F (175-190°C). This temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken nuggets as it ensures the nuggets are fully cooked, safe to eat, and have a crispy, golden exterior.

It is recommended to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays within this range. If you don't have a thermometer, there are a few alternative methods to determine if the oil is hot enough. One way is to add a drop of water to the pan—if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough. Another method is to toss a small piece of bread into the oil; if the bread sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.

It is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or safflower oil. These oils can withstand the high heat required for deep frying without burning.

When frying the chicken nuggets, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Allow the oil to return to the proper temperature between batches to ensure even frying. Frying the nuggets in small batches will typically take around 2-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

For an extra crispy texture, let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack before frying. This allows the breading to dry and adhere better to the meat during cooking.

How to get the right texture and colour

To get the right texture and colour, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, select the right chicken; chicken breasts will give you the best texture and flavour. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, around 1 to 1 ¼ inch in size, so that they cook evenly. You can brine the chicken in a mixture of yoghurt, salt, and water for a few hours or overnight to make it juicier. Alternatively, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Next, prepare your breading station. You will need one bowl for a wet mixture and another for a dry, seasoned breading. For the wet mixture, you can use buttermilk, or a combination of egg and water. For the dry mixture, use flour, plain breadcrumbs, and seasonings. You can also add sesame seeds and salt to the dry mixture. If you are using seasoned breadcrumbs, you may want to omit additional seasonings.

Once your chicken and breading are prepared, it's time to start frying. Heat your oil to around 325°F–350°F. Peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are good choices due to their neutral flavour and high smoke point. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature, and make sure the oil is fully heated before adding the chicken. Fry the chicken in batches, adding 6 to 8 pieces at a time, and be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will reduce the temperature. Fry the nuggets for around 2 to 4 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are a deep golden brown. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the nuggets should read 165°F when they are done.

If you are making a large batch, you may need to let the oil come back up to temperature between batches. It is important to maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure your nuggets are crispy and golden. If your nuggets are soggy, it means your oil isn't hot enough.

How to prepare the chicken pieces before frying

Preparing the chicken pieces before frying is a crucial step in the nugget-making process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your chicken pieces like a pro:

Firstly, you'll want to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. The size and shape are up to you, but aim for uniformity so they cook evenly. You can use chicken breasts or boneless thighs. If you're feeling fancy, you can lightly pound the chicken pieces with a mallet to ensure they are of an even thickness. This isn't necessary, but it can help create a consistent texture and cooking time for your nuggets.

Next, set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your choice of seasonings. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavour. Whisk the ingredients together. The second bowl should contain your wet mixture. This can be a simple combination of eggs and water, or you can add buttermilk to the eggs for a richer flavour. Whisk this mixture until it is well combined. The third bowl should contain your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a great option for an extra-crunchy texture. Season your breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, and give them a good mix.

Now it's time to coat your chicken pieces. First, dip the chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, dip the floured chicken pieces into your wet mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the breading dry and adhere to the meat when cooked.

With your chicken pieces prepared, you're now ready to start frying!

What to serve with chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. While they are great on their own, serving them with some sides can create a more balanced and exciting dining experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken nuggets:

Dips and Sauces

Chicken nuggets are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. You can opt for a simple ketchup or mustard dip, or get creative with something like a creamy cheese dip, salsa, or a spicy sauce made from jalapenos, apple cider vinegar, and smoked salt. These dips and sauces add flavor and moisture to the nuggets, making them even more enjoyable.

Starchy Sides

French fries are a classic pairing with chicken nuggets. The salty, crispy fries provide a great contrast to the savory nuggets, and they also offer a starchy component to balance the protein-rich chicken. Other starchy sides you could consider include baby potatoes, which can be seasoned to taste, and onion rings, which offer a similar crunchy texture to the nuggets.

Vegetable Sides

If you're looking for something healthier, there are plenty of vegetable sides that go well with chicken nuggets. Charro beans, a dish that includes bacon, beans, garlic, thyme, and cumin powder, is a flavorful and nutritious option. You could also try roasted sweet potatoes, which are slightly sweet and savory, or a salad like arugula salad with a red wine vinaigrette, or a shaved Brussels sprout salad with mustard and Parmesan.

Heartier Options

For a more filling meal, consider serving chicken nuggets with mac and cheese, a classic comfort food that pairs well with the nuggets. You could also try chicken and noodles, which is another dish that kids tend to love, especially if you add loads of vegetables to make it healthier.

Chicken nuggets are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and with these sides, you can turn them into a more well-rounded and exciting dining experience. Whether you're serving them to kids or adults, there are plenty of options to suit everyone's tastes.

How to reheat chicken nuggets

When cooking chicken nuggets in a deep fryer, the oil should be heated to 350°F (176°C) and the nuggets should be cooked for 2-4 minutes until they are golden brown.

Reheating Chicken Nuggets

To reheat chicken nuggets, an air fryer is the best option. It is quick, easy, and will make the nuggets crispy and juicy. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (176°C and 206°C). Brush the chicken nuggets with a small amount of oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. If you don't have an air fryer, you can use a stove. Add one to two teaspoons of oil to a pan and heat it up.

If you are reheating McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, air fry them for three to four minutes at 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer runs hot, you can try lower temperatures, starting at three minutes and adding 30-second increments until you are happy with the result.

If you are reheating frozen chicken nuggets, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them straight from the freezer into the air fryer. The cooking time will be slightly longer, between 5 and 12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions