Air Fryer Dino Nuggets: The Perfect Timing

Dino nuggets are a fun, kid-approved meal that can be whipped up in a jiffy. If you're wondering how long to cook these in an air fryer, the answer is usually around 7-10 minutes at 400°F. The exact time can vary depending on the brand and size of the nuggets, as well as the type of air fryer you're using. For the perfect crispiness, it's best to place the nuggets in a single layer, leaving space for the hot air to circulate. So, the next time your little ones are demanding their favourite dino treats, you know exactly what to do!

How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 12 to 16 dino nuggets (brand of your choice)
• Your favourite dipping sauce (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place your dino nuggets in the air fryer, leaving space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Flip the nuggets and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• There is no need to grease or preheat your air fryer as the nuggets are already cooked.
• Leave space around your nuggets to allow the hot air to flow and ensure the breading gets crispy.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
• If you are reheating dino nuggets, place them in the air fryer, leaving space around them for the air to circulate. Cook at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

How long to cook dino nuggets for

How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer

Dino nuggets are a perfect snack for kids and a great go-to for busy weeknights. They are also a fantastic option for picky eaters, thanks to their fun dinosaur shapes and sizes. The best part is that you can go from freezer to table in about 10 minutes! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook dino nuggets in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

If you're using a basket air fryer, there's no need to coat it with oil or cooking spray. However, if you want to prevent sticking, you can use a light coat of olive oil cooking spray or place a piece of parchment paper under the nuggets for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Some air fryers have a built-in preheat function, while others don't. If your air fryer doesn't preheat automatically, it's recommended to preheat it to 400°F for about 4-5 minutes before adding the dino nuggets.

Step 3: Place the Dino Nuggets in the Air Fryer

Arrange the dino nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each nugget. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as it can affect cooking time and crispiness.

Step 4: Air Fry the Dino Nuggets

Set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and air fry the dino nuggets for 8-10 minutes. For extra crispy nuggets, consider air frying for an additional minute. It's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the brand, size, and wattage of your air fryer. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 5: Flip the Dino Nuggets Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides, use tongs or a spatula to flip the dino nuggets halfway through the cooking process. Shaking the air fryer basket at the halfway point can also help distribute the heat evenly.

Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Remove the dino nuggets from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce. Some popular options include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch, and buffalo sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Dino Nuggets in an Air Fryer:

• It's best to cook dino nuggets straight from frozen. Avoid thawing or defrosting them before air frying, as this can affect their texture and cooking time.
• When cooking frozen foods like dino nuggets, always arrange them in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation. This will ensure even cooking and the perfect crispiness.
• The cooking time for dino nuggets can vary depending on the brand and size of the nuggets, as well as the type and wattage of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on the nuggets during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.
• To reheat dino nuggets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating dino nuggets in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat dino nuggets, especially if you want to avoid the sogginess that can come with reheating in a microwave. It's also quicker than using an oven and healthier than deep frying.

How to Reheat Dino Nuggets in an Air Fryer

First, place the desired amount of nuggets in your air fryer, leaving space around them for the air to circulate. You don't need to spray the basket or nuggets with oil.

Then, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

Tips

• You can reheat dino nuggets from frozen; there is no need to defrost them first.
• If you are reheating a large batch of dino nuggets, you may need to do so in two batches to ensure proper air circulation.
• If you are cooking straight from frozen, you may want to add an extra minute to the cooking time for extra crispiness.

Best sides to serve with dino nuggets

Dino nuggets are a fun and easy meal to make for kids, but they can also be enjoyed by adults. They are made from a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and pork, and are coated in a crispy breading. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with dino nuggets:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Fruit
• Steamed vegetables
• Mac and cheese
• Tomato cucumber salad
• Red cabbage slaw
• Air fryer shoestring fries
• Instant pot mac and cheese
• Couscous corn salad
• Crispy smashed buffalo potatoes
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Hawaiian coleslaw
• Arugula salad
• Blistered shishito peppers
• Air fryer hasselback potatoes
• Lebanese cabbage salad
• Air fryer peppers
• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes with sour cream
• Pinto beans
• Rice
• Bacon fried rice
• Grilled potato salad
• Apple celery root slaw
• Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks
• Air fryer frozen onion rings
• Easy homemade garlic cheese bread
• Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets
• Frozen chicken patties
• Frozen chicken tenders
• Air fryer frozen chicken breasts
• Frozen chicken thighs
• Cooking bacon in the air fryer
• Pressure cooker mac and cheese
• Easy shrimp scampi
• Orange fluff salad
• Chicken legs
• Air fried chicken cutlets
• Wings in the air fryer
• Corned beef and cabbage
• Zucchini air fryer chips
• Peanut butter frosting
• Peanut butter fudge
• Air fryer scallops
• Cast iron chicken
• Banana bread

You can also serve dino nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.

Best dipping sauces for dino nuggets

So, you're making dino nuggets in the air fryer—a quick, easy, and delicious meal for the whole family! But what sauces should you serve on the side? Here are some ideas for the best dipping sauces to take your dino nuggets to the next level:

Ketchup

A classic condiment for a reason, ketchup is a safe bet for dipping your dino nuggets. It's a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids, and you probably already have some in your fridge.

Mustard

Whether it's regular, spicy, or honey mustard, this condiment is a well-known and tasty pairing with chicken nuggets. You can also get creative and try something like Popeyes' Mardi Gras mustard, which is sweetened and flavoured with Creole spices.

Barbecue Sauce

BBQ sauce comes in many variations, so you can find one that suits your taste buds. Try a tangy barbecue sauce like McDonald's, or go for honey BBQ at KFC. You can even make your own at home!

Ranch

Creamy ranch dressing isn't just for salads. It's a popular choice for dipping nuggets, and you can find it at fast-food spots like Wendy's and KFC. If you want to get creative, try making your own version with avocado or adding some spice with hot sauce.

Buffalo Sauce

If you like your nuggets on the spicier side, Buffalo sauce is a natural choice. It's classic on wings, but it works just as well with nuggets. Try the spicy Buffalo sauce at McDonald's or Chick-Fil-A's Zesty version.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauces offer a contrast of flavours that can elevate your nugget-dipping experience. The apricot and peach-flavoured sauce at McDonald's is quite different from Wendy's red-orange version, which is flavoured with peppers and pineapples.

Honey

Honey adds a touch of sweetness to your nuggets and is a staple dipping sauce in the south and midwest of the United States. Drizzle some over your nuggets for a sticky-sweet treat.

Other Ideas

• Tzatziki: A cooling combination of cucumber and tangy Greek yogurt that's perfect for offsetting the heat if your nuggets are on the spicier side.
• Special Sauce: Go for the signature sauces at places like McDonald's and Wendy's, which have a ketchup-mayo mashup taste that you can try to replicate at home.
• Mayo: A key ingredient in many sauces, but it can also be enjoyed as a dip on its own or as a base for other sauces like tartar sauce.
• Hot Sauce: Spice things up with Sriracha, or make your own creamy sriracha dipping sauce like Wendy's.
• Garlic Parmesan Dip: Craving some Italian flavours? This dip combines garlic, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for a tasty treat.
• Honey Buffalo Dip: A sweet, savoury, and creamy sauce that covers all your bases.

There you have it! Now you're equipped with a variety of sauce options to take your dino nuggets to the next level. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions