Emilie Meyer
Chicken nuggets are a classic, comforting dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy them. You can use frozen, breaded chicken nuggets or make your own from scratch, and the air fryer will give you a crispy, juicy, and tender result. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make delicious air-fried chicken nuggets, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.
How to cook air fryer chicken nuggets
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 400°F (200°C or 206°C) |
| Preheat time | A few minutes |
| Nugget arrangement | Single layer with space between each nugget |
| Basket type | Basket with holes or a wire rack, or a solid tray or pan |
| Basket preparation | No need to line or grease the basket |
| Flipping | Flip halfway through for even crispiness on both sides (not necessary if using a basket with holes or a wire rack) |
| Cooking time | 5-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) |
| Serving | Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3- 5 days |
| Reheating | Place in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes or until heated through |
| Freezing | Let cool before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and that the outsides get crispy. To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to 400°F (200°C/206°C). If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step.
Let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that your chicken nuggets are cooked perfectly every time. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken nuggets. Cut the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces. You should get approximately 20-24 nuggets from one chicken breast. Sprinkle salt evenly over the chicken pieces, followed by flour, and toss to coat.
In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add cooking oil to this mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated and resemble damp sand. Prepare another bowl with buttermilk. Line up the chicken, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs. Using tongs or your hands, coat the chicken pieces by dipping them in buttermilk and then transferring them to the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place the chicken nuggets inside. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap and have space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp the nuggets evenly. If you are using a solid tray or pan, you will need to flip the nuggets, but if your air fryer basket has holes or a wire rack, you can simply let the hot air do the work for you.
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Arrange the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket
When arranging the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around them properly, ensuring they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
If you are using an air fryer basket with holes or a wire rack, the hot air will circulate to crisp both sides of the nuggets without the need for flipping. However, if you are using a solid tray or pan, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking process is recommended to achieve that crispy breading on both sides.
When placing the nuggets in the basket, leave some space between them so they don't touch. The amount of space required may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, as well as the brand and size of the nuggets themselves. As a general guideline, aim for enough space to allow proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired texture.
It is worth noting that some air fryers may run hotter than others, so it is essential to keep a close eye on your nuggets to prevent them from burning. Giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time can also help ensure more even cooking.
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Air-fry for 5-15 minutes
The air-frying time will depend on the brand, your air fryer, and the size and thickness of the chicken nuggets. It should take anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. For example, one source recommends cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Another source suggests 8 minutes of air-frying, flipping the nuggets halfway through. A third source recommends 9 to 12 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket once.
If you are cooking frozen chicken nuggets, you should let them cook for a few minutes longer than fresh nuggets. For example, one source recommends 6 to 8 minutes for frozen nuggets, flipping them halfway through. Another source suggests 7 minutes to get hot and crispy frozen dinosaur-shaped nuggets. A third source recommends 10 to 15 minutes for frozen nuggets.
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Reheat in the air fryer
To reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer, place them in a single layer on the air fryer rack or in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the nuggets are not overlapping to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp them evenly. If your air fryer has a reheat function, use this for a few minutes until they are heated through. If not, use the air fryer setting at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven, but avoid using a microwave as the chicken will lose its crispiness.
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To freeze, let the nuggets cool before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
When reheating, ensure that the nuggets are spaced out and not overcrowded in the air fryer. This will ensure even heating and maintain the texture of the nuggets. The exact reheating time may vary depending on the brand, size, and thickness of the chicken nuggets, so keep an eye on them to ensure they are heated through.
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Serve with a dipping sauce
Now, for the best part: the dipping sauce! Chicken nuggets are the perfect vessel for your favourite sauce, whether that's a classic ketchup, something creamy like ranch, or a more exotic number like sweet chilli jam.
If you want to make your own, a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce is a great option. You could also try mixing Greek yoghurt with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a tangy, savoury dip.
For something a little different, why not try a sweet and sour sauce? Simply combine vinegar or lemon juice with sugar and a dash of soy sauce. Or, for a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to taste.
Whatever sauce you choose, your crispy, juicy air-fried chicken nuggets are sure to be a delicious treat!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
The cooking time depends on the size and shape of the nuggets. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones will need more. The cooking time should be between 5 and 15 minutes.
Cut a chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces and sprinkle with salt. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add cooking oil to the breadcrumbs and stir until it looks like damp sand. Dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs and coat them evenly. Place the nuggets in a greased air fryer basket and cook until golden brown.
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as the chicken will lose its crispiness.
