With this recipe, you’ll discover exactly how to make frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer, capturing a crispy, evenly cooked nugget that’s juicy on the inside. Whether you’re in a rush, looking for an easy meal for the kids, or just craving some tasty comfort food, this air fryer recipe is the ultimate hack. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10-12 minutes, ideal for busy days.
- Perfect Crispiness: Achieves that crispy texture without the grease of deep frying.
- Kid-Friendly and Budget-Friendly: Great for feeding the family on a budget.
Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe
Get perfectly crispy chicken nuggets straight from frozen in the air fryer—ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen chicken nuggets (around 12-15 pieces)
- Optional: Cooking spray (for extra crispiness)
Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer by setting it to 400°F (200°C) and letting it warm up for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the Nuggets: Place frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the nuggets at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Check and Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the nuggets from the air fryer. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 15g
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Choose any brand of frozen chicken nuggets you like! Breaded varieties work especially well in the air fryer, as the air fryer crisps up the coating to perfection.
Cooking Spray (Optional)
A quick spray of cooking oil can boost the crispiness of your nuggets. If you prefer an oil-free option, skip this step, and they’ll still turn out deliciously crispy.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating is essential to achieving that delicious crunch. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Step 2: Arrange the Nuggets in a Single Layer
Place the frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket without stacking them. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and reduce crispiness.
Step 3: Air Fry for 10-12 Minutes
Cook the nuggets at 400°F for around 10-12 minutes, depending on their size. Shake the basket halfway to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden-brown exterior.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Open the air fryer to check if the nuggets have achieved a golden colour. For added safety, make sure their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Take out the hot, crispy nuggets and serve them with your favourite sauce. They’re ready to enjoy!
What Brand Of Chicken Nuggets Is Best To Air Fry?
To get the best chicken nuggets in the air fryer, choose brands with flavorful meat and quality breading. Air frying brings out extra crispiness in breaded products, making it an ideal way to cook frozen chicken nuggets. Here are some top-rated brands that perform exceptionally well in the air fryer:
1 Tyson Any’tizers
Why They’re Great: Tyson’s Any’tizers line is known for its thick, crispy breading, which gets even crunchier in the air fryer. The nuggets come in various flavours, from classic to spicy, giving you plenty of options to suit your taste.
Texture & Flavor: These nuggets are juicy with a perfectly crispy coating when air-fried, and their larger size makes them satisfying as a snack or a meal.
Best Cooking Tip: Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, shaking halfway through.
2 Perdue Chicken Plus Nuggets
Why They’re Great: Perdue’s Chicken Plus line includes hidden vegetables in their nuggets, such as cauliflower and chickpeas, which adds nutritional value without compromising taste.
Texture & Flavor: The breading crisp up beautifully, and the nuggets have a mild, flavorful taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
Best Cooking Tip: Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking.
3 Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets
Why They’re Great: Known for their simple, organic ingredients, Applegate Naturals nuggets are a healthier choice with no artificial additives or fillers. They have a light breading that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.
Texture & Flavor: These nuggets have a classic, wholesome flavour with a crisp, light breading that isn’t overly thick.
Best Cooking Tip: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and nugget size.
4 Banquet Chicken Nuggets
Why They’re Great: Banquet offers an affordable and tasty nugget option that crisps up well in the air fryer. While not as premium as some brands, these nuggets deliver good flavour and texture for their price point.
Texture & Flavor: Slightly thicker breading that turns golden brown and crispy, making them great for air frying.
Best Cooking Tip: Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5 Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Why They’re Great: Bell & Evans uses high-quality, air-chilled chicken, resulting in tender and juicy nuggets. They’re also made with whole breast meat and have minimal ingredients, making them a popular choice for those looking for a more natural option.
Texture & Flavor: The breading is thin but crisps up very well in the air fryer, giving a satisfying crunch while letting the taste of real chicken shine through.
Best Cooking Tip: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the nuggets.
6 Dino Buddies (Yummy Dino Buddies)
Why They’re Great: These kid-friendly dinosaur-shaped nuggets are fun and flavorful, making them a hit for family meals. Their breading crisps up well, and they’re often loved by picky eaters.
Texture & Flavor: Dino Buddies has a light, crispy breading with a mild flavour that pairs well with various dipping sauces.
Best Cooking Tip: Cook at 400°F for 8-9 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking.
7 Caulipower Chicken Nuggets
Why They’re Great: For a gluten-free option, Caulipower Nuggets offers breading made from cauliflower, which air-fries nicely without gluten. They’re lower in carbs and are a great choice for health-conscious individuals.
Texture & Flavor: Surprisingly crispy for a gluten-free nugget, and the flavour is mild but satisfying.
Best Cooking Tip: Cook at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, adjusting for personal preference.
Tips for Choosing the Best Chicken Nuggets for Air Frying
When selecting chicken nuggets for air frying, keep these points in mind:
- Breaded Nuggets Work Best: Breaded nuggets, rather than battered ones, tend to crisp up better in an air fryer.
- Consider Ingredient Quality: Look for brands with high-quality, whole-meat chicken and minimal additives, especially if you want a more natural flavour.
- Size and Shape Matter: Smaller, evenly-sized nuggets cook more consistently in the air fryer.
Expert Tips for Success
- Preheat the Air Fryer: This little step makes a big difference in achieving evenly crispy nuggets.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking halfway through ensures every nugget gets crispy on all sides.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Leaving space between the nuggets helps the hot air circulate for consistent results.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Nuggets: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before air frying for a kick.
- Low-Calorie Option: Choose a brand with whole-grain or gluten-free nuggets for a healthier twist.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top halfway through cooking for a cheesy layer.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
- Side Dishes: Pair with air-fried French fries, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Make It a Meal: For a heartier meal, serve with mac and cheese or garlic bread.
Related Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Frozen
- Frozen Chicken Breast Air Fryer
- Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to put frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer?
The cooking time varies slightly depending on the air fryer model and nugget size, but generally, frozen chicken nuggets take about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. It’s best to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
How to cook frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer?
Place the nuggets in a preheated air fryer set to 400°F. Cook them in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I cook different types of nuggets in the air fryer?
Yes, you can air-fry a variety of frozen nugget types, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the nugget type for the best results.
Do I need to add oil?
No, but adding a small spray of oil can enhance the crispiness. The air fryer does a great job without added oil if you prefer to skip it.
Can I stack nuggets in the air fryer?
It’s best not to stack them. For optimal crispiness, cook the nuggets in a single layer so the air circulates evenly.
Can I make a large batch?
If you need to cook more, it’s best to do it in batches. Overcrowding the basket reduces crispiness and may lead to uneven cooking.
3 thoughts on “Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe”