Air frying frozen chicken nuggets is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy snack or meal. But getting the timing right is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. Undercook them and you’ll end up with soggy, unappetizing nuggets. Cook them too long and they’ll dry out. So how long exactly should you air fry frozen chicken nuggets? Through trial and error, I’ve dialed in the ideal time and temperature to help you make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken nuggets every time.
The Optimal Time and Temperature
The magic timing for air frying frozen chicken nuggets is 8 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This gives you golden brown, crispy outsides and fully cooked, juicy insides.
Here’s a more detailed look at air fry times based on nugget size
- Small nuggets: 8 minutes
- Average nuggets: 10 minutes
- Large, thick nuggets: 12 minutes
I always start with the shortest cook time and check for doneness The nuggets should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they need a little longer, I air fry them in 1-2 minute increments, checking the temp each time
Tips for Maximum Crispiness
Achieving perfectly crispy air fried chicken nuggets goes beyond just temperature and time. Here are my top tips:
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Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the nuggets. This gives you a head start on crispiness.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in a single layer with space between each nugget.
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Lightly spray nuggets with oil (avocado, canola or vegetable oil work well). This enhances browning.
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Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
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Use parchment paper or liner to prevent sticking (if needed).
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Allow nuggets to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to mess up your crispy chicken nugget dreams. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:
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Forgetting to preheat
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Overcrowding the basket
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Not checking internal temperature
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Over or under cooking
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Using too much oil
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Stacking nuggets on top of each other
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Not allowing nuggets to rest before serving
Tips for Reheating and Storing Leftovers
What’s better than crispy fresh air fried chicken nuggets? Enjoying leftovers! Here’s how to revive and store them:
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Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Oven and microwave work too.
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Allow to cool completely before storing.
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Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
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Freeze for longer storage. Reheat directly from frozen.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve perfected the basic method, get creative with flavors! Before air frying, you can coat or sprinkle nuggets with:
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Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, etc.
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Spices – cayenne, cinnamon, curry powder, jerk seasoning, etc.
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Herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, etc.
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Sauces – buffalo, teriyaki, jerk, honey mustard, barbecue, etc.
After cooking, serve with an array of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, buffalo, sweet and sour, etc. The options are endless!
With the right time and temperature, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken nuggets from the comfort of your own kitchen. In just 8 to 12 minutes in a 400°F air fryer, you’ll have perfect nuggets ready to satisfy any craving. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding and undercooking, and you’ll be an air frying pro in no time. Now go forth and enjoy bite after bite of crispy breaded bliss!
How to make this recipe
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
Making chicken nuggets in the air fryer is about as easy as it gets! Simply add the nuggets in a single layer into the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 9-12 minutes, flip or shake the basket once.
Yep. That’s it! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce: Sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, ranch, or whatever floats your boat. My toddler loves this unsweetened ketchup (affiliate link).
Expert tips for success
- Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400ºF and let it preheat for a few minutes before you add in the nuggets. This ensures perfect cooking every time!
- No need to line or grease the basket. There’s no real risk of the frozen nuggets sticking, so the extra step isn’t necessary.
- Give them space. Make sure the nugs are in a single layer so there is enough space for the air to circulate around them. If they’re stacked up or overlapping, you’ll end up with a soggy texture rather than crispy! My Cosori air fryer fits about 14 nuggets, but that number will vary depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Frozen chicken nuggets air fryer time tip: Don’t forget that the air frying time will vary depending on the chicken nuggets you’re cooking. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones will need more.
- Check the temp. The best way to determine that the nuggets are done cooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160ºF.
- Keep an eye on them. Some air fryers run a bit hotter than others, so make sure you keep a close eye on your nuggets to make sure they don’t burn.
- For more even cooking, give the basket a little shake about halfway through the cooking time.
In the air fryer! Trust me. Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the oven is plenty easy, but it’s even easier in the air fryer. And the texture is perfect every time. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, it might just be time to invest in one!
Yes, they will just need less time to cook. About 6-8 minutes is usually perfect for me.
You can make this into a meal by cooking fewer nuggets but adding in frozen french fries to cook at the same time. Just make sure the basket isn’t too full. Depending on the fries they might take a few minutes longer so either put them in before or let them cook a bit longer after taking out the nuggets.
We all know chicken nuggets are best with a couple of delicious dipping sauces! Serve these up with a side of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, Chick Fil A sauce, you name it!
Once your frozen chicken nuggets are cooked, they are best served right away. However, if you do have leftovers they will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place back in the air fryer and cook for a couple of minutes or until heated through.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
FAQ
How long do you cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer generally takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken. For smaller pieces like nuggets or tenders, cooking time may be closer to 15-20 minutes. Larger pieces like chicken breasts or thighs will likely require the full 25-30 minutes.
How long to cook frozen chicken nuggets at 400 degrees?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place frozen nuggets baking sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, turning nuggets over halfway through heating time.
How long do you cook Tyson Fun nuggets in the air fryer?
er (Preferred Method) Set air fryer to 360°F. Heat for 7 minutes or until warm and crispy. Appliances vary. Heating time may need adjusting.
Can You air Fry frozen chicken nuggets?
12. Can I use the air fryer for other frozen food items? How long should I air fry frozen chicken nuggets? If you’re looking for perfectly golden and crispy chicken nuggets, the ideal cooking time for frozen nuggets in an air fryer is around 10 to 12 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
How long to cook chicken nuggets in air fryer?
The ideal cook time for air fryer chicken nuggets generally ranges from 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Cooking times may vary based on the size of the nuggets and the specific model of the air fryer.
Do you flip chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
While some air fryer models may require flipping halfway through the cooking process, most newer models cook the nuggets evenly without the need for flipping. However, if you’re using an older air fryer or notice uneven browning, a gentle flip halfway through can help ensure an even cook. 4. Can I cook a large batch of chicken nuggets at once?
How long do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Now, if you want to refine your air fryer skills further, check out these tips you need when cooking with an air fryer that go far beyond chicken. When making boneless chicken in an air fryer, cook for 12-15 minutes. For bone-in chicken, cook for 20-25 minutes.
Can You reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use your air fryer to reheat chicken nuggets. Simply place them in the air fryer basket for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through. 10. Can I season the chicken nuggets before air frying?
How long to cook frozen chicken nuggets?
The cook time for frozen chicken nuggets is generally around 12 to 15 minutes, but it’s advisable to check the packaging instructions as cooking times can vary. Shake the basket or flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a nice crispiness on all sides.