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Golden chicken nuggets arranged in a circular basket with a dark central hub. A small bowl of red dipping sauce sits nearby on a wooden surface.
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Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to enjoy a crispy and delicious snack or meal. Whenever you’re short on time or want a quick fix, air-frying frozen nuggets give them a golden crunch without needing extra oil. The best option compared to deep frying.
Course Main dishes, Recipes, Small bites, Snack
Cuisine American, International
Keyword air fried, air fryer, air fryer frozen chicken nuggets, air fryer recipes, chicken nuggets in an air, cook frozen chicken nuggets, crispy, crispy chicken, frozen chicken nuggets, frozen nuggets, frying, nuggets in an air frye, nuggets in the air fryer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 14kcal
Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Take your frozen chicken nuggets out of the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes while preparing your air fryer. Prepare the air fryer basket with some EVO oil to prevent sticking. Don't forget to preheat the air fryer if needed.
  • If you’re storing leftover nuggets or batch prepping, place them in a Ziplock bag. Use a straw to suck out the air, creating a vacuum seal that keeps the nuggets fresher for longer. Label the bag with the date so you can track its freshness easily.
  • Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and cook them to crispy perfection. Set the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and cook for 8 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time using tongs. This makes sure both sides are golden and crispy, like french fries. Cook for another 4 minutes or until they’re heated and perfectly crunchy.

Video

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Notes

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Keep the nuggets in a single layer to secure even cooking and crispiness. Shake the basket to avoid clumping.
  • Adjust the Timing: Different air fryers may vary slightly, so check your nuggets a minute or two before the recommended time.
  • Add Extra Crunch: Lightly spray the nuggets with oil before cooking for an even crispier texture.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the nuggets.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Portion | Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.003g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 18mg | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.03mg