Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

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These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets are the perfect quick and easy kids' dinner or appetizer. Within minutes, these crispy and tender chicken bites will be ready for the whole family to enjoy.

Air fryer chicken nuggets served with a dipping sauce.

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These Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets are a perfect option for kids, making mealtime a breeze. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, these crispy chicken bites are sure to be a hit. Kids love them, and parents love the minimal prep and clean-up required too!

Not only are they great for kids, but they also make an excellent appetizer for game day. Pair them with a selection of dips, like barbecue sauce or spicy hot honey, and watch as they disappear in no time!

These nuggets come out super crispy without the need for oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried options. With no need to thaw beforehand, they are super convenient, especially after a busy day when you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal for the whole family. Simply pop them straight from the freezer into the air fryer, and within minutes, you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to serve.

Make sure to try these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs and this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu too!

Why you will love this recipe!

Quick and easy: These chicken bites take no time and effort and are ready within minutes.
Healthier: Using the air fryer instead of a traditional deep fryer, will cut the fats and make them healthier without compromising on the crunchiness and flavor.
Great for a crowd: You can make multiple batches and quickly whip up a delicious snack for a crowd, especially for game nights.
Simple ingredients: You only need your favorite frozen chicken nuggets and some dips or sauces to pair them with.

Air fryer chicken nuggets on a plate next to a bowl of dipping sauce.

Ingredients

You just need one ingredient, your favorite frozen chicken nuggets! You can use frozen chicken breast nuggets from brands like Tyson, Bell&Evans, Kroger, or Perdue.

You can also use gluten-free chicken nuggets from brands like Nature's Promise, or Applegate.

And also more nuggets variations, like popcorn nuggets or turkey nuggets from Jane's, Dino nuggets from Tyson, or plant-based nuggets from MorningStar Farms.

How to air fryer frozen chicken nuggets

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Preheat the air fryer and place the frozen chicken bites in the basket (photo 1).
Cook until golden brown. There's no need to flip them halfway (photo 2).

Frozen chicken nuggets before and after being air fried.

Serving Suggestions

If you serve them as party snacks or appetizers, you can pair them with some of these dips and sauces:

If you serve them as a main course, you can pair them with veggies and salad sides such as:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the nuggets overlap in the air fryer?

You'll achieve the best result if you keep the nuggets in a single layer. But you can slightly overlap them if needed. If you do, it's best to flip them halfway through the cooking.

Do I need to thaw the chicken nuggets before cooking them?

No, there's no need to thaw. You can place them in the air fryer basket straight from the freezer.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

You'll achieve the best result with a preheated air fryer. You can also skip the preheating and cook the nuggets for an additional few minutes until golden brown.

Cooked chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket.

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating

Air fried frozen chicken bites are best enjoyed straight away but if you have leftovers they can be stored in a closed container or covered with wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 400F / 200C. I recommend only reheating them once for the best result.

Recipe Notes and Tips

For best results, preheat your air fryer before adding the ingredients. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, run it at 400F / 200c for 5 minutes before adding them in.
Cook the nuggets in a single layer. If you need to cook them in a couple of batches, you can keep the cooked ones in a warm oven until ready to serve.
If the nuggets slightly overlap in the basket, you'll need to flip them over halfway through the cooking to achieve the best result.
The cooking time is a guide, as air fryer models can vary. Check for doneness after about 15 minutes.

A chicken nugget being dipped in a sauce.

These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets are a game-changer for busy nights, offering a quick, easy, and delicious solution for kids' dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and minimal prep and cleanup, these nuggets will leave everyone wanting more.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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