Chicken nuggets are delicious. You can make them yourself at home, or buy them frozen at the store.
Either way, if you have an air fryer, cooking frozen chicken nuggets couldn’t be easier.
This time I will show you how to make the perfect air fryer frozen chicken nuggets.
When done, they are super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, no oily mess! The air fryer is such a convenient and easy way to make frozen chicken nuggets.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Quick And Easy Preparation: This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have crispy and delicious chicken nuggets in less than 15 minutes.
Healthier Option: It’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, which means that you don’t need to add any oil or fat.
This method of cooking cuts back on calories and fat, making it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy their favorite food without the guilt.
Perfect Crispy Texture: Using an air fryer to cook frozen chicken nuggets will give you a perfect crispy texture that is similar to deep-frying, but without the added oil and fat.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, which makes the exterior crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Serve With Your Favorite Dipping Sauce: Whether you prefer honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce, the crispy texture of the chicken nuggets will make them the perfect complement to your favorite dip.
You can even make your own dipping sauce using plain Greek yogurt and spices for a healthier option.
✨ Making Frozen Chicken Nuggets In The Air Fryer
Follow these steps to make the perfect air fryer frozen chicken nuggets:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400F (200C).
Step 2
Place the frozen chicken nuggets in the basket of the air fryer (in a single layer, cook in a few batches if needed).
Step 3
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flip them, and then air fry for 3-4 more minutes.
The chicken nuggets should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside when done.
That’s it! It’s so easy to make frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer!
Homemade vs. Frozen Chicken Nuggets
It’s pretty easy to make chicken nuggets at home (and you can use different coatings, or even panko crumbs to give them a tasty crunch).
But, if you prefer to go the frozen route, and buy pre-made nuggets, then the air fryer is your best bet.
Using an air fryer to cook frozen chicken nuggets can be a much healthier option than deep frying, as it cuts back on fat and calories.
Moreover, air fryer frozen chicken bites are super crispy! There is nothing better than taking a bite into a crunchy, golden chicken nugget.
Microwave vs. Air Fryer
You can microwave frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave, but they won’t be nearly as crispy and flavorful as they would be if you air fried them.
Air frying chicken nuggets will give you a much crispier, crunchy texture that is similar to deep-frying.
Best Frozen Nuggets Brands
There are so many brands out there that offer delicious frozen chicken nuggets, but you’ll want to make sure that the ones you choose are of good quality.
Here are some of the best frozen chicken nugget brands on the market:
- Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets.
- Banquet Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Foster Farms Breast Nuggets
Always check the label and ingredient list. Ensure the chicken nuggets you buy are not full of preservatives, additives, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Unfortunately, many brands nowadays don’t use the best quality ingredients, but still call themselves “healthy”.
💡 Tips
1. Air Frying Time
Every air fryer differed a bit, so the cooking time for frozen chicken nuggets may vary.
I recommend keeping an eye on the first batch of nuggets and adjust the cooking time as needed for subsequent batches.
Making frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer is super easy and works every time, but the timing might be a bit different depending on your air fryer.
2. Serve With A Dipping Sauce
Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets are crispy and tasty even on their own, but dipping sauces can really take them to the next level!
Try serving your nuggets with a variety of sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. You can even mix and match sauces for a delicious variety of flavors!
For an even healthier option, make your own dipping sauces using plain Greek yogurt and spices.
3. Flip The Nuggets
Don’t forget to flip the chicken nuggets halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that both sides of the nuggets are cooked evenly and that you achieve that perfect golden brown color on both sides.
If you’re cooking a large batch of nuggets, you may need to do this in a few batches to prevent overcrowding the basket.
I hope this post helped you understand how to make the perfect air fryer frozen chicken bites.
If you have any questions- feel free to comment below. Also, make sure to check out other air fryer recipes on my website. I add new articles and delicous recipe on weekly basis.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken Nuggets
- Seasoning
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 400F (200C).
- Place the frozen chicken nuggets in the basket of the air fryer (in a single layer, cook in a few batches if needed).
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flip them, and then air fry for 3-4 more minutes.The chicken nuggets should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside when done.