Frozen Chicken Nuggets In The Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)

Discover the secret to achieving irresistibly crispy and healthier Chicken Nuggets in the air fryer. This cooking method combines speed, convenience, and a guilt-free approach to your favorite crispy, tender bites.

Chicken nuggets have a universal appeal – loved by kids and adults alike. They’re the perfect snack or meal option, and when made in the air fryer, they transform into crispy, guilt-free delights. 

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the simple steps to achieve crispy perfection with your homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer. We will also explore why this method has become a game-changer in the world of healthier, tastier nuggets.

This recipe is a great option for busy parents, or busy working individuals who need some quick and easy. There are so many different brands of store-bought chicken nuggets, so you can sift through the healthier brands if desired.

If you love chicken recipes in the air fryer you should try out my 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and my Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets With Buffalo Sauce.

WHY AIR FRY CHICKEN NUGGETS?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand why the air fryer is the preferred method for cooking chicken nuggets:

1. Healthier Alternative:

• Air frying uses hot air to cook your food, requiring little to no oil. This means you can enjoy the crispiness of fried food with significantly less fat, making air-fried chicken nuggets a healthier option compared to deep-frying.

2. Faster and Easier:

• Air fryers are incredibly convenient. They preheat quickly, cook food evenly, and reduce cooking time, which means you can have a batch of homemade chicken nuggets ready in no time.

3. Uniform Crispy Texture:

• The air fryer’s design ensures that hot air circulates around the nuggets, creating an even and crispy texture on all sides, without the need for flipping.

FULL INGREDIENTS LIST THAT YOU NEED FOR THE EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the easy homemade chicken nuggets (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• 1 box frozen chicken nuggets
• Optional – olive oil cooking spray, sea salt, and black pepper.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
2. Add frozen store-bought chicken nuggets to air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 12 minutes.
3. Flip the nuggets and air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Serve with your favorite sauces and enjoy!

HOW TO STORE

Storing your leftover air-fried chicken nuggets properly helps maintain their texture and flavor. Here’s how to store them:

1. Cool to Room Temperature: Allow the air-fried chicken nuggets to cool to room temperature before storing them. This prevents excess moisture from forming inside the container.

2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled nuggets in an airtight container. For added freshness, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. Refrigeration: Store the container of chicken nuggets in the refrigerator. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

4. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover air fryer chicken nuggets, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use an oven or microwave, but the air fryer is the best choice to maintain their crispiness.

FAQS

ARE AIR FRYER NUGGETS HEALTHIER THAN DEEP FRYING?

Yes, air-fried chicken nuggets are generally healthier than deep-fried versions. Air frying uses significantly less oil, resulting in lower fat content, yet they still achieve a satisfying crispy texture.

DO I REALLY NEED TO PREHEAT THE AIR FRYER BEFORE COOKING THE STORE-BOUGHT NUGGETS?

Yes, it’s advisable to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before placing the chicken nuggets inside. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

HOW DO I PREVENT THE CHICKEN PIECES FROM STICKING TO THE AIR FRYER TRAY?

Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Placing a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat in the basket can also help.

CAN I MAKE HOMEMADE CHICKEN NUGGETS OR SHOULD I ONLY USE THE FROZEN KIND?

You can certainly make homemade chicken nuggets by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and coating them. This allows you to customize the flavor and quality of the nuggets.

I have plenty of air fryer chicken recipes on the blog, each with a homemade breadcrumb mixture.

WHAT DIPPING SAUCES GO BEST WITH CHICKEN TENDERS?

Popular dipping sauces for cooked chicken nuggets include ketchup, bbq sauce, homemade honey mustard, ranch, and buffalo sauce. Experiment to find your favorite dipping sauce.

CAN I USE THE AIR FRYER TO REHEAT LEFTOVER CHICKEN NUGGETS?

Yes, you can use your air fryer to reheat leftover chicken nuggets. It helps restore their crispiness better than a microwave.

CAN I SEASON THE AIR FRYER FROZEN CHICKEN NUGGETS FOR EXTRA FLAVOR?

Absolutely! You can season the nuggets with your favorite spices, herbs, or seasonings to add extra flavor. Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even cayenne pepper for some heat.

Additionally you could add extra panko breadcrumbs if desired, or even some shredded parmesan cheese.

CAN I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE CHICKEN NUGGETS IN THE AIR FRYER?

Yes, you will need to find the best chicken nuggets that utilize gluten-free flour. Or you can make a homemade version using gluten-free breadcrumbs with ground chicken for an easy meal.

Some Other Air Fryer Recipes To Enjoy With Your Crispy Chicken Nuggets!

• Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle French Fries
• Homemade Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Easy Creamy Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing
• Keto Greek Salad With Easy Dressing
• The Best Italian Chopped Salad

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHICKEN NUGGET RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails