Frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer are going to become your favorite way to make chicken nuggets. The nuggets come out crispy and crunchy on the outside and stay juicy on the inside. I have tried this cooking method with many different brands of nuggets.
This method will work with chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, and even popcorn chicken air fryer bites. All of them cook up the same give or take a few minutes of cooking time. Frozen foods come out great in the air fryer.
Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets and air fryer popcorn chicken are definitely one of my go to’s when i am hungry and need a quick bite. This is also one of my gameday favorites. I am pretty sure that everyone loves them in all shapes and sizes.
These chicken nuggets go great with my frozen air fryer french fries recipe if you are looking for a side for the nuggets.
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Ingredients
I used the Bell and Evans brand chicken nuggets for this recipe. I think these are the best frozen nuggets available. They do take a little bit longer to cook because they are not pre-cooked nuggets.
- Chicken Nuggets ( I used Bell and Evans)
- Barbecue Sauce
- French Fries (Optional)
- Garlic Powder (I always give them a sprinkle)
Jump to recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
I am going to show you exactly how I cook frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer. The process is the same whether you’re using pre-cooked nuggets or uncooked nuggets. Of course the cooking times are different.
Instructions
Place your chicken nuggets, chicken tenders or popcorn chicken into the air fryer basket. The key here is to spread chicken pieces out in a single layer. This makes for optimal air circulation and getting the nuggets nice and crispy.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If using uncooked nuggets. 20-22 minutes of cooking time.
If using cooked chicken nuggets set air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 10-12 minutes of cooking time. Flip nuggets halfway through cooking time.
If you are using precooked nuggets the cooking time is 8 to 10 minutes. I always flip the nuggets. I know you really do not have to flip them but I like my air fryer chicken nuggets evenly crispy.
I flip the chicken about halfway through the cooking time. I get the best results with this method. Personally, I like all brands in the air fryer frozen chicken nuggets part of the freezer section of the grocery store.
Tip: Keep in mind that all air fryers are different and depending on their wattage the cooking times can vary by a few minutes.
Variations
Most of the time I just eat the air fried frozen chicken nuggets with a dipping sauce or I make a sort of a platter with a couple of things. These air fryer pizza rolls are a favorite with my family and a good accompaniment.
- BBQ Sauce – Use Your Barbecue sauce of choice.
- Ranch Dressing – Ranch is good on everything.
- Kid friendly – Chicken nuggets are probably the most kid friendly. Especially when combined with fries.
See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)
Equipment
Of course, the equipment can have a huge impact on how recipes turn out. Air fryers are no different. I will list the air fryer that I use below. I do have more than one.
I am also going to list what I think are a few kitchen essentials.
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, Air Fryer Liners, 200pcs 8.5 Inch
Air Fryer Liners, 2 Pack Non-Stick 8.5 Inch Silicone Square
Storage
Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
Place chicken nuggets in an air fryer basket in a single layer.
Set air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cook 3-4 minutes until hot.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Frozen Eggrolls in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings
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.
I am a lover of the Bell and Evans Chicken Nuggets. Yummy!