Air Fryer Dino Nuggets: The Perfect Timing

Air fryer dino nuggets are a quick and easy snack for kids and adults alike. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table fast. The best part is that you can go from freezer to table in about 10 minutes! The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer and brand of nuggets you have, but on average, they take around 7-10 minutes to cook. So, if you're looking for a fun and tasty meal that's ready in a flash, dino nuggets in the air fryer are a great option!

How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets (frozen)
• Oil spray (optional)
• Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Tongs (optional)
• Spatula (optional)

Method

• If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat functionality, preheat it to 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray or nonstick cooking spray (optional).
• Place the dinosaur nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap and there is space for the hot air to circulate.
• Air fry the dino nuggets at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. For extra crispy nuggets, add an extra minute to the cooking time.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• If you are using a basket air fryer with a nonstick coating, you may not need to spritz the basket with oil or nonstick cooking spray.
• To prevent food from burning or overcooking, check on the nuggets 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up.
• To reheat dino nuggets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.

Tips for making the best dino nuggets in the air fryer

Air fryer dino nuggets are a quick and easy snack, perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights. Here are some tips to make the best dino nuggets:

Use the right tools

If using a basket air fryer, you may not need to coat it with anything due to its non-stick coating. However, if you need to prevent sticking, use an olive oil cooking spray or place a piece of parchment paper under the nuggets for easy cleanup.

Prepare the nuggets

Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps between them. This allows hot air to circulate and crisps up the breading. Spritz the nuggets with oil spray to help them crisp up.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of dino nuggets. As a guide, cook the nuggets at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through for even cooking and add an extra minute if you want them extra crispy.

Reheating and storing

To reheat dino nuggets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving suggestions

Serve dino nuggets with your favourite dipping sauce. Some popular options include ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. For a complete meal, pair the nuggets with tater tots, sweet potato fries, French fries, fruit, or steamed veggies.

How long to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

Dino nuggets are a fun, kid-approved meal that can be whipped up in no time using an air fryer. This method is quicker than baking or deep-frying and delivers perfect, crispy dino nuggets every time.

How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

First, ensure that your dino nuggets remain frozen until you are ready to cook them. There is no need to defrost them beforehand. If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat functionality, remember to preheat it to 400°F for around 4-5 minutes. You should also spray the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol oil or nonstick cooking spray. This step will help to prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.

Next, arrange the dino nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a small gap between each nugget. This arrangement will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, it's time to air-fry those dino nuggets! For most air fryers, this will take around 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Be sure to flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking process for even crispiness on all sides. If you prefer your dino nuggets with a little extra crisp, you can add an extra minute to the cooking time.

Once the nuggets are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for cooking dino nuggets in an air fryer

• If your air fryer has a lower wattage or smaller capacity, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's always a good idea to monitor the nuggets during the cooking process and adjust as needed.
• To ensure even cooking, avoid overlapping the nuggets in the air fryer basket, and leave a small gap between each nugget.
• For extra crispy dino nuggets, consider adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
• You can reheat dino nuggets in the air fryer by cooking them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve your dino nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
• To turn this snack into a complete meal, pair the dino nuggets with sides like tater tots, sweet potato fries, French fries, fruit, or steamed vegetables.

Best dipping sauces for dino nuggets

So, you want to know how long to put dino nuggets in the air fryer, and what sauces to serve with them? Well, you've come to the right place.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Then, place your dinosaur nuggets in the air fryer, leaving space between each one for the hot air to circulate. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. That's it! Your dino nuggets are ready to serve.

Now, onto the fun part: sauces. The great thing about nuggets is that there are so many sauces to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Ketchup: A classic condiment that pairs well with just about everything, including dino nuggets.
• Mustard: Whether you like it sweet or spicy, mustard is a great choice. You can even get creative and try something like Mardi Gras mustard, which is sweetened and flavoured with Creole spices.
• Barbecue Sauce: Tangy, honey BBQ, or even a combination of barbecue sauce, mayo, and spices—there are endless variations to try.
• Ranch: Creamy ranch is a popular choice, and you can even spice things up with a spicy avocado ranch dip.
• Buffalo Sauce: Distinguished by its bright orange hue, buffalo sauce adds a little heat to your nuggets.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: From apricot and peach-flavoured to pepper and pineapple-infused, sweet and sour sauces offer a range of flavours.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Try making your own at home with ground Szechuan peppercorns as the key ingredient.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Thick, gooey, and decadent—this sauce is sure to be a hit with cheese lovers.
• Honey: A staple in the south and midwest of the United States, honey adds a sweet and sticky twist to your nuggets.
• Honey Mustard: A well-known combination that's hard to resist.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Cooling cucumber and tangy Greek yogurt are perfect for offsetting the heat of spicy nuggets.
• Special Sauce: Recreate the famous "special sauce" from fast-food joints by mixing ketchup and mayo.

There you have it! Your guide to cooking dino nuggets in the air fryer and a list of mouth-watering sauces to try. Happy cooking and saucing!

Reheating dino nuggets in an air fryer

If you have leftover dino nuggets, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. This method is much quicker than using a conventional oven and will still give you crispy, tasty nuggets.

How to Reheat Dino Nuggets in an Air Fryer

First, place the desired amount of nuggets in your air fryer basket, leaving some space around them to allow the hot air to circulate. You don't need to defrost the nuggets before reheating. In fact, it's best to reheat them from frozen.

Then, cook your dino nuggets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. You can leave them for an extra minute if you prefer them extra crispy.

Tips for Reheating Dino Nuggets

• If you're using a basket air fryer, you may want to coat it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also place a piece of parchment paper under the nuggets for easy cleanup.
• If you're reheating a large batch of dino nuggets, you may need to do so in two batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the nuggets in a single layer, without stacking them, to get the perfect crispiness.
• Shake the basket or flip the nuggets halfway through reheating to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Dipping Sauces for Dino Nuggets

Dino nuggets are great served with a dipping sauce. Try one of the following:

• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Ketchup
• Honey Sriracha Sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Fry sauce

Frequently asked questions