Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken nuggets are a staple meal for many, especially those with children. If you're looking for a quick, convenient, and healthier way to cook frozen chicken nuggets, then an air fryer is the answer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious, crispy chicken nuggets using an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some air fryers do not require preheating, others will cook your food more evenly and efficiently if you take the time to let the appliance heat up before adding your food.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to somewhere between 360°F and 400°F. You can refer to your specific air fryer's instructions to determine the exact temperature setting and how long it will take to preheat.

For example, if you're using an air fryer that requires preheating, set it to 360°F and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. On the other hand, if your air fryer doesn't require preheating, you can skip this step and proceed to cook your chicken nuggets.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you'll be ready to add your frozen chicken nuggets and let them cook for the recommended time, which is usually between 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size and type of nugget.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your chicken nuggets will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a crispy texture and moist, juicy interior. It's a crucial step in achieving that perfect nugget texture!

Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket

When you're ready to cook your chicken nuggets, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. This is important because it allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each nugget, ensuring a deliciously crispy exterior. If you stack them or they overlap, you'll end up with a soggy texture instead of the desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can fit about 14 nuggets in a single layer, but this will vary depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

It's also important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Fill it with just a single layer of chicken nuggets to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking for a larger group and need to cook more nuggets, it's best to cook them in multiple batches to ensure they all turn out crispy and delicious.

When placing the frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, make sure there is some space between each nugget. This will ensure that the hot circulating air can reach all sides and edges of the nuggets, resulting in an even cook and that perfect golden brown colour.

Once you've placed the frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with some space between them, you're ready to start cooking! Simply follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness, and you'll have perfectly cooked chicken nuggets ready to enjoy in no time.

No need to add oil to the air fryer

When making frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer, there is no need to add oil to the air fryer. The frozen chicken nuggets will not stick to the pan and will cook through perfectly. In fact, adding extra oil spray may make the nuggets greasier.

Frozen chicken nuggets are pre-fried and already contain oil, so there is no need to add more. You will see the oil release at the bottom of the air fryer as the nuggets cook.

If you are cooking something else in the air fryer that does require oil, you can use an Evo Oil Sprayer to spritz oil onto your food.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Now it's time to cook your chicken nuggets. Place them in the air fryer and cook them for 8 to 12 minutes. If you want your nuggets to be extra crispy, cook them for up to 12 minutes. However, it is important not to exceed this time limit.

Halfway through the cooking process, remove the basket and give it a shake. This will ensure that your nuggets cook evenly on all sides.

While the exact cooking time will depend on the brand of chicken nuggets and the model of your air fryer, you can generally expect them to be done within this timeframe.

Once they're cooked to your liking, take the nuggets out of the air fryer and serve them with your favourite sauce. Enjoy!

Serve with your favourite sauce

Now for the best part: the sauce. You can serve your air-fried chicken nuggets with any sauce you like. Ketchup is a classic, but you could also try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or sweet and sour sauce. If you're serving these nuggets to kids, they might enjoy dipping their nuggets in ketchup or mustard.

If you're serving these nuggets as part of a meal, you could also provide some sides. Crispy onion rings, garlic broccoli pasta, or buttered noodles would all make great accompaniments. And don't forget to cook some sweet potato fries, French fries, or tater tots in your air fryer to go with those nuggets!

If you're looking for a healthier option, try serving your nuggets with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. Or, if you want something a little more indulgent, Mac and Cheese is always a good choice.

Frequently asked questions