Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer is the quickest, easiest way to make chicken nuggets. In fact, it’s so easy your kids can do it themselves!
Even though I always prefer to cook chicken nuggets from scratch, sometimes you’ve gotta do what you gotta do. And allowing my kids to eat frozen chicken nuggets is a quick and easy way to get lunch or dinner on the table fast. The only ingredient you need for this recipe? Store-bought frozen chicken nuggets (veggie nuggets are a great alternative). That’s it. Use your favorite brand of chicken nuggets for this recipe. Veggie nuggets are a great alternative. Not only does it take a fraction of the time than cooking frozen nuggets in the oven, they come out perfectly crisp and golden, every time.
How to make air fryer frozen chicken nuggets
Pre-heat the air fryer then add the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes, flipping over half way through. We like our nuggets to be super crisp on the outside without being dry and over-cooked and we’ve found that 15 minutes is perfect. I always check the nuggets when I flip them over to make sure they’re not cooking too fast and if they are, I’ll reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken nuggets are perfect served on their own with a dipping sauce. Honey Mustard Sauce, Jalapeño Ranch dressing or BBQ sauce are all good options. We also love a simple thousand island dressing made with mayo, ketchup and a dash of hot sauce. If you want to serve a side dish with the nuggets, we love French fries, tater tots, potato wedges, Mac and cheese, sautéed broccoli or a simple green salad.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Depending on their size, we have found that 400°F/205°C for 12-15 minutes is perfect. Check the nuggets half-way through cooking and if it looks like they are browning too much, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
There is no need to thaw chicken nuggets before cooking in the air fryer. Pop them straight from the freezer into the air fryer basket. If they are frozen together, air fry for a few minutes then carefully separate them before finishing the cooking.
No, no oil is needed.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) frozen chicken nuggets
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
- Add the frozen nuggets in a single layer then return the air fryer basket to the air fryer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets over halfway through cooking.
- Serve the crisp, golden nuggets with side dishes of your choice.