Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Want that perfect crunch every time? Try our recipe for cooking Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets! You'll get the best results by following our super-easy instructions!

Frozen chicken nuggets cooked in air fryer on a plate served with sauce.

Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets are a game changer. They make both kids and adults happy. Chicken nuggets can be cooked in a variety of ways, but air frying them is the best way because it's the quickest and healthiest method.

Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means that chicken nuggets can be cooked in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in the oven. Air fryers also require less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a healthier option.

Cooking chicken nuggets in an air fryer is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is preheat the air fryer, place the frozen chicken nuggets in the basket, and set the timer. The air fryer will do the rest of the work, and you’ll have delicious, crispy chicken nuggets for the whole family in no time.

With an air fryer, you can enjoy all the flavor of fried chicken nuggets without the extra oil. If you're looking for a lighter version why not try my air fryer chicken tenders or the chicken breasts recipe?

For more air fryer recipes, check my Air Fryer Recipe Collection.

Why You’ll Love Cooking Frozen Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer:

First, they're a healthier alternative to deep frying because they require less oil, which means fewer calories and fats in your meal.
Plus, the air fryer cooks them evenly, giving you a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior that's hard to achieve with regular ovens.
And the best part? It does all this in less time, saving you time and energy. Oh, and let's not forget how easy it is to clean up afterward. Air fryers make cooking your favorite chicken nuggets a breeze!

What Brand of Chicken Nuggets Should I Use for Air Frying?

When it comes to air-frying chicken nuggets, your selected brand can greatly impact the result.

If you prefer organic options, brands such as Applegate Naturals or Bell & Evans are worth considering. Perdue and Tyson chicken nuggets are often top choices for taste and texture.

For veggie nuggets, MorningStar Farms and Gardein offer delicious plant-based nuggets that crisp up nicely when air-fried. Regardless of the brand, always opt for nuggets that are free from artificial preservatives and flavors to ensure a healthier meal.

How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer

*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.

Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and evenly, especially for cooking chicken nuggets.

Whether it's homemade chicken nuggets or store-bought, these instructions will work for both.

Tip: No need to thaw. Cook chicken nuggets straight from the freezer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for a couple of minutes. Then, place the frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket or air fryer tray in a single layer. You need to cook in multiple batches if you're cooking a 1lb bag or more.

Air fried frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket.

Air fry chicken nuggets for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken nuggets are golden brown and cooked, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

*Air fryers come in different sizes and models, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Preheat the air fryer. I find it necessary when cooking frozen food to get a crispy texture.
Don't thaw chicken nuggets. Cook from frozen.
For an extra crispy finish, spray the nuggets with a light coating of oil before cooking.
Flip nuggets halfway through so they're cooked on both sides.
Different air fryers may require different temperatures and cooking times, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Air fried frozen chicken nuggets on a plate served with sauce.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Nuggets

Dipping Sauces: Ketchup and BBQ sauce are classic favorites, but you can also try honey mustard sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy buffalo sauce.

For a more gourmet experience, consider a spicy mayo sauce or a creamy ranch dressing. If you prefer an international flair, serve the nuggets with a zesty tzatziki sauce or a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce.

Side Dishes: You can serve chicken nuggets with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, French fries, or a variety of salads for a quick lunch, quick dinner, or a light meal.

Storing and Reheating

How do I store leftover chicken nuggets?

Leftover chicken nuggets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to reheat chicken nuggets in the Air Fryer?

If you're used to reheating chicken nuggets in the microwave, it's time you use air fryer to reheat them. You'll notice the difference in taste and texture. Spray the nuggets with a light coating of oil, if they seem dry, out of the refrigerator.

To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and then place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping the chicken nuggets halfway through the cooking time.

Common FAQs

Can I use an air fryer to cook frozen chicken nuggets?

Absolutely. I don't use my oven anymore to cook chicken nuggets.

How long should I cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the nuggets and the temperature of the air fryer. Generally, it is recommended to cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400°F.

Are air-fried chicken nuggets healthier than regular fried chicken nuggets?

Yes, air-fried chicken nuggets are typically healthier than regular fried chicken nuggets because they require less oil and fewer calories. Air fryers cook food quickly while preserving natural nutrients. In addition, air frying chicken nuggets reduces unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats that can be found in regular fried foods.

Do you need to oil spray the nuggets?

Not necessarily. I find a light coating of oil sprayed gives a crispy finish. You can avoid it if you want to.

How do I know when the nuggets are done?

The best way to make sure the nuggets are done is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it's 165˚F in the thickest part.

More Air Fryer Frozen Foods You'll Love:

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