Not sure if you can air fry frozen chicken? Yes, you can! Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy chicken meal without having to let it thaw first. Whether you have frozen chicken breasts, tenders, nuggets or popcorn chicken, your air fryer can do it all!.
We’ll walk you through how to air fry frozen chicken and share some tips on getting the best results.
Chicken nuggets are a beloved comfort food for people of all ages. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy outer coating is hard to resist! But deep frying chicken nuggets is unhealthy and messy. That’s where air fryers come in – they let you achieve that same crispy golden texture without all the added oil.
This in-depth guide will teach you everything you need to know to use an air fryer to cook frozen chicken nuggets. You’ll learn about .
- Benefits of using an air fryer
- Ingredients and equipment
- Step-by-step instructions
- Cooking tips for best results
- Serving ideas to take your nuggets to the next level
You can make your own quick and tasty air-fried chicken nuggets whenever you read this. So let’s get crisping!.
Why Cook Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become wildly popular in recent years because they offer a healthier cooking method that still delivers on taste and texture. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer for frozen chicken nuggets:
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Uses little to no oil: Air frying requires only a small amount of oil to crisp up foods, versus being fully submerged in oil when deep frying. This significantly cuts down on calories and fat.
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Gets crispy without the mess: There’s no need to heat up a vat of oil that inevitably splatters. Air fryers use rapid air circulation rather than oil, keeping your kitchen clean.
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Cooks food fast: Air fryers preheat and cook much quicker than a traditional oven. You can enjoy crispy nuggets in just 10-15 minutes.
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Retains moisture: The hot air cooks the exterior to a crisp while sealing in all the natural juices inside. No more dry, rubbery nuggets!
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Versatile: You can cook a variety of frozen foods in an air fryer, from appetizers to main courses. It’s not just for nuggets!
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Having the right tools and ingredients on hand is the first step in making tasty air-fried chicken nuggets:
Ingredients:
- Frozen chicken nuggets (any brand)
- Optional: Cooking spray or oil for coating
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Tongs, fork, or spatula for flipping
- Baking sheet or pan (if your model doesn’t have a basket)
I think you should use good chicken nuggets instead of the really cheap ones that might have a lot of fillers that you don’t like. You can get good nuggets from brands like Tyson, Perdue, and Applegate. They will taste great air-fried.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect crispiness:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Place nuggets in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd.
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Lightly coat with oil or spray, if desired, for extra crispiness.
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Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
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Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
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Check temperature with a thermometer to ensure 165°F is reached.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have homemade chicken nuggets with that satisfying crispy crunch.
Handy Tips for Best Results
Implement these handy tips and tricks to take your air fried chicken nuggets to the highest level of crispiness:
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For even crispier nuggets, extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes. But don’t overcook or they’ll dry out.
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Use thick, good quality nuggets. Thin cheap ones won’t get as crispy.
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Make sure not to overcrowd. Nuggets should have space around them for air flow.
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Flip halfway through – this ensures all sides get evenly crisped.
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Brush oil on for an extra layer of crispiness and prevent sticking.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before biting in. This helps them firm up.
Get Creative with Serving Suggestions
Chicken nuggets on their own are great, but taking them to the next level is all about the sauces and sides! Consider these fun serving ideas:
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Offer variety of dipping sauces – think ranch, bbq, honey mustard, buffalo, etc.
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Make easy homemade sauces like garlic aioli, chimichurri, or teriyaki.
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Pair with classic sides like fries, tater tots, roasted broccoli, coleslaw.
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Toss nuggets in melted butter, herbs, parmesan for next level flavor.
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Add spice with chopped peppers, jalapeños, or buffalo sauce.
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Top nuggets with grated cheese, crumbled bacon, avocado, etc.
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Stuff in sandwiches, tacos, on top of salads for fun meal ideas.
Enjoy Your Crispy Creations!
Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer is truly foolproof. In just minutes, you can crispy, juicy nuggets minus the mess and excess oil of deep frying.
Now get air frying and enjoy your quick and easy chicken nugget creations! Crispy, golden nugget bliss awaits.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders, Chicken Nuggets and Popcorn Chicken
The air fryer is a quick and easy way to make breaded, pre-cooked frozen chicken like tenders, nuggets, or popcorn chicken crispy again.
You’ll Need:
- Air Fryer
- 20 to 25 ounces of frozen golden-fried chicken (like Tyson® Chicken Tenders, chicken nuggets, or popcorn chicken)
- Take out 20 to 25 ounces of your frozen chicken nuggets, tenders, or popcorn chicken.
- Put frozen chicken in the air fryer, but don’t stack or overcrowd it.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Use an air fryer for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the food is as crispy as you like it. The color of the breading may not change much.
- Flip chicken halfway through cooking.
- Carefully remove from basket onto a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.
Cook time may vary depending on your brand and size of frozen chicken. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow for even cooking. Cook in additional 2-3 minute increments if needed to avoid burning.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer
What kind of cut and size of chicken you use can really change how long it takes to cook in the air fryer. Smaller pieces like frozen chicken tenders or nuggets may only take 15-20 minutes, while larger chicken breasts or thighs could need 25-30 minutes.
No matter what type of chicken you’re cooking, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Checking the chicken periodically and adjusting the cook time as needed will help prevent dry, overcooked meat.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets – How To Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer
FAQ
How long do you cook frozen chicken nuggets in the air fryer?
Frozen chicken nuggets typically take 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C).
What is the best way to cook frozen chicken nuggets?
The best way to cook frozen chicken nuggets is in the oven or air fryer for crispy and evenly cooked results.
How long do you cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
The time it takes to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer varies based on the type and size 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 to heat Tyson chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
er (Preferred Method) Set air fryer to 390°F. Heat for 7 minutes or until warm and crispy. Appliances vary. Heating time may need adjusting.