Air Fryer Hack: Crispy Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a beloved meal for many, especially children. They are usually cooked in the oven or fried, but did you know that you can also cook them in an air fryer?

Air-fried chicken nuggets are quick, easy, and foolproof. They are also healthier than deep-fried nuggets as they require little to no oil, resulting in fewer calories and less fat. You can make crispy chicken nuggets in just 10-15 minutes.

To cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. There is no need to add oil. Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket once halfway through.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy chicken nuggets ready to be served with your favourite sauce.

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in achieving the perfect crispy texture for your chicken nuggets. While some air fryers do not require preheating, it is generally recommended to do so for a few minutes to ensure the best results. The ideal temperature range for preheating is between 375-400°F (190-204°C). This temperature range will ensure that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines. Different models of air fryers may have specific recommendations for preheating temperatures and durations. Following these guidelines will help you achieve optimal results and avoid overcooking or undercooking your chicken nuggets.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the frozen chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket or tray. It is important to arrange the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or touch each other. This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate evenly and create a consistent crispiness on all sides of the nuggets.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you create the ideal environment for cooking frozen chicken nuggets. This initial step sets the foundation for achieving the desired crispiness and texture that makes air-fried chicken nuggets a popular and convenient choice for a quick and delicious meal.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Now, it's time to cook your chicken nuggets. Place the frozen chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket and spread them out into a single layer. Make sure they're not overlapping and that there's a little space between each nugget. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate and crisp up all sides of the nuggets evenly. If they're stacked or overlapping, you'll end up with soggy chicken nuggets.

Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook the nuggets for 8 to 12 minutes. Check on them at the 8-minute mark. If you want them a little crispier, you can add a few extra minutes, but don't cook them for more than 12 minutes in total. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and give it a shake to ensure even cooking.

Once the nuggets are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, they're ready to be taken out. Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the basket, and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce.

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost frozen chicken nuggets before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, defrosting them beforehand may not be the best idea, as it will take less time to cook them in the air fryer when they are frozen.

To cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F. Then, place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the nuggets are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. Depending on whether the nuggets are precooked or uncooked, they should be cooked for 8–12 minutes or 20–22 minutes, respectively. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

No need to add oil

How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets Crispy in an Air Fryer: No Need to Add Oil

Why No Oil is Needed

Frozen chicken nuggets are typically pre-fried before they are frozen, so there is no need to add extra oil when cooking them in an air fryer. Adding oil may make them greasy rather than crispy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 205°C). Check your air fryer's instructions to see if preheating is necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Nuggets

Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap or touch. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides of the nuggets evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Nuggets

• For pre-cooked frozen nuggets, cook at 400°F (205°C) for 8-12 minutes.
• For uncooked frozen nuggets, cook at 350°F (180°C) for 20-22 minutes.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the cooked nuggets from the air fryer using tongs and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Nuggets

• Always cook in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the nuggets halfway through for an even colour and texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the nuggets from getting crispy.

Customisations and Variations

You can customise your chicken nuggets by tossing them in different sauces or coatings after cooking. Here are some ideas:

• Buffalo-style: Toss the nuggets in buffalo sauce.
• Parmesan-coated: Sprinkle grated parmesan on the nuggets as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
• Spicy: Coat your nuggets in hot sauce for some extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Frozen chicken nuggets are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Nugget sliders: Turn the nuggets into mini sandwiches by placing them between buns with your favourite toppings.
• Chicken nugget salad: Toss the nuggets in a fresh green salad with ranch or honey mustard dressing for a lighter meal.
• Chicken nugget wraps: Wrap the nuggets in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and sauce for a quick and easy wrap.

Enjoy your crispy, golden brown, and perfectly cooked chicken nuggets!

Single layer for even cooking

When cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each nugget, resulting in a crispy texture. If the nuggets are stacked or overlapping, they will cook unevenly and become soggy.

To cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the frozen nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, making sure they don't touch. Depending on the size and brand of the nuggets, cook them for 5 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time.

It's not necessary to defrost frozen chicken nuggets before air frying, and doing so may even affect the final texture. Additionally, there is no need to add oil to the air fryer, as the frozen nuggets will release oil during the cooking process.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious chicken nuggets straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions