Let’s be honest—frozen chicken nuggets are a go-to when you need a quick, easy meal. And when you cook them in the air fryer, they come out perfectly crispy without any of the sogginess you sometimes get from the oven. Whether you’re starting with uncooked nuggets or precooked ones, I’ve got you covered. All you need is your air fryer and your favorite dipping sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Ingredients
- How to Cook Frozen Nuggets in an Air Fryer
- Substitutions and Customizations
- Variations and Flavor Ideas
- How to Serve Frozen Chicken Nuggets for a Meal
- Reheating and Storage
- FAQ
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- Nutritional Information
- Equipment
- Crispy Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Quick and easy: From freezer to table in under 25 minutes.
- Kid-friendly: Nuggets are always a favorite with picky eaters.
- No extra oil needed: The air fryer delivers a crispy texture without added fat.
- Perfect for meal prep: Cook in batches and store for quick meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 Box or Pound Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- 1/4 Cup Barbecue Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing (Optional)
How to Cook Frozen Nuggets in an Air Fryer
For Uncooked Nuggets
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 350°F. Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F for uncooked chicken nuggets. This ensures that the nuggets cook evenly from the moment you put them in.
Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Nuggets in a Single Layer.Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them so that the air can circulate and crisp them up nicely.
Step 3: Flip the Nuggets Halfway Through Cooking.Cook the nuggets for 20-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
For Precooked Nuggets
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F.If using precooked chicken nuggets, preheat the air fryer to 400°F to get that crispy texture.
Step 2: Place the Precooked Nuggets in the Air Fryer Basket.Arrange the precooked frozen nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Step 3: Flip the Nuggets Halfway Through Cooking.Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through for the best results.
Expert Tips for Crispy Nuggets
- Keep it single layer: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the nuggets from getting crispy.
- Flip halfway: This ensures both sides of the nuggets get that golden, crispy texture.
Substitutions and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Nuggets: Use a gluten-free brand of chicken nuggets if needed.
- Spicy: Toss your nuggets in hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Options: Swap chicken nuggets for plant-based nuggets if you prefer a meatless option.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
- Buffalo-style: Toss your nuggets in buffalo sauce after cooking for a spicy twist.
- Parmesan-coated: Add some grated parmesan right when they come out of the air fryer for extra flavor.
How to Serve Frozen Chicken Nuggets for a Meal
- Nugget sliders: Turn nuggets into mini sandwiches with buns and your favorite 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 wrap.
Reheating and Storage
Storage:
- • Refrigerator: Store any leftover cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and reheat the nuggets for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the nuggets for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quick option, microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the nuggets will not be as crispy.
FAQ
For precooked frozen chicken nuggets, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. For uncooked nuggets, air fry at 350°F for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
For precooked frozen nuggets, cook them at 400°F. For uncooked frozen nuggets, lower the temperature to 350°F for proper cooking.
The air fryer is the best way to cook frozen chicken nuggets. It gives them a crispy exterior and juicy interior in less time than an oven, without needing oil or deep frying.
Precooked frozen nuggets are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy on the outside. For uncooked nuggets, ensure they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Yes, you can bake frozen chicken nuggets. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake them for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy nuggets. It’s recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the nuggets.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. Also, make sure to cook them in a single layer and flip halfway through.
Pairings and Related Recipes
Check out these related air fryer recipes:
Nutritional Information
Per serving (6 nuggets):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
Equipment
I’ve included some kitchen essentials and items that I personally find valuable for this recipe. If you choose to purchase any of these products through the links provided, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support. It helps me continue sharing recipes and tips with you!
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8 Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Qt.
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Basket Air Fryer
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Disposable Liners
I’d love to hear how your chicken nuggets turned out! Have any tips or questions? Drop them in the comments below.
Crispy Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Box or Pound Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- 1/4 Cup Barbecue Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing (Optional)
Instructions
How to Cook Frozen Nuggets in an Air Fryer (Uncooked Nuggets)
- Preheat air fryer to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Place Chicken Nuggets in Basket in a Single Layer
- Cook 20-22 Minutes
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking Time
How to Cook Frozen Nuggets in Air Fryer (Precooked Nuggets)
- Preheat air fryer to 400 Degress Fahrenheit
- Place Nuggets in Basket in a Single Layer
- Cook 8-10 Minutes.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking Time.
