How to Microwave Chicken Nuggets: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Crispy Nuggets Every Time

Let’s face it – we’ve all been there You’re hungry, short on time, and those frozen chicken nuggets in your freezer are calling your name But microwaving them often leads to disappointment soggy, rubbery nuggets that make you wish you’d just waited for the oven to preheat.

Good news! I’ve finally figured out how to microwave chicken nuggets right after a lot of trial and error and a lot of sad, soggy nuggets. This guide will tell you all the tricks I use to get that crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tasty.

Why Chicken Nuggets Usually Get Soggy in the Microwave

Before diving into the solution, let’s understand the problem. Microwaves don’t actually “cook” food the way conventional ovens do. Instead, they heat food by making water molecules move around, which “boils” the water inside. If you thaw nuggets in the microwave, the steam gets trapped and absorbed back into the breading, giving it that awful soggy texture we all hate.

In ovens and air fryers, water can evaporate, but microwaves keep the steam inside and don’t let it out. This is why your nuggets often have a slimy white outside instead of the golden crispiness you want.

The Paper Towel Secret: Game-Changer for Microwaved Nuggets

The easiest and best way to make microwaved chicken nuggets taste better is to use paper towels. Here’s how:

1. Take a microwave-safe plate
2. Layer 2-3 paper towels on the plate
3. Arrange your frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer on top
4. Microwave until heated through

Why does this work? The paper towels absorb the excess moisture that comes off the nuggets as they cook, preventing it from pooling around and being reabsorbed into the breading. This simple step makes a huge difference in the final texture!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Microwaved Chicken Nuggets

Now let’s break down the full process for nugget perfection:

What You’ll Need:

• Frozen chicken nuggets
• Microwave-safe plate
• Paper towels
• Cooking spray (optional but helpful)
• Your favorite dipping sauces

Instructions:

1. Unpack and Pat Dry: Remove the frozen nuggets from packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any surface frost or excess moisture.

2. Prepare Your Plate: Layer 2-3 paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. For even better results, lightly spray the paper towels with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Arrange Properly: Place the nuggets in a single layer on the paper towels, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. This ensures even cooking.

4. Microwave in Intervals: Here’s my recommended timing based on quantity:

   • 6-8 nuggets: 1 minute on high
   • 12-15 nuggets: 1 minute 30 seconds on high
   • 18-20 nuggets: 2 minutes on high

5. Flip and Continue: After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each nugget with a fork or tongs. This is crucial for even heating! Then microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

6. Check Temperature: For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one nugget open to make sure it’s steaming hot all the way through.

7. Let Rest: Allow the nuggets to rest for 1-2 minutes before eating. This helps redistribute the juices and lets the exterior firm up a bit more.

Pro Tips for Even Crispier Nuggets

Want to take your microwaved nuggets to the next level? Try these advanced techniques:

• Use a microwave crisper tray if you have one. These special trays are designed to help foods crisp up in the microwave.

• Try the “double paper towel” method: Place paper towels both under AND over your nuggets while microwaving.

• Microwave + toaster oven combo: Microwave the nuggets for about 70% of the recommended time, then finish them in a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

• Avoid overcrowding: If you need to cook a lot of nuggets, do them in smaller batches for better results.

• Use a convection microwave: If your microwave has a convection setting, use it! The circulating hot air helps crisp the exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of nugget missteps in my time. Learn from my failures:

• Skipping the paper towels: This is the most important step! Without them, you’re guaranteed soggy nuggets.

• Not flipping mid-cook: Turning the nuggets halfway through ensures even heating.

• Cooking too many at once: Overcrowding the plate means steam gets trapped between nuggets.

• Using high power for too long: This can lead to rubbery, overcooked nuggets. Short intervals are better.

• Eating immediately: That brief rest period makes a difference in texture!

FAQ: Your Burning Chicken Nugget Questions

Can I use fresh chicken nuggets instead of frozen?

No, this guide is specifically for frozen chicken nuggets. Fresh nuggets require different cooking methods and times.

How do I know when the nuggets are done?

The nuggets should be hot throughout, with no cold spots. For safety, they should reach 165°F internally. When cut open, they should be steaming and the meat should be white throughout.

How long can I store leftover microwaved nuggets?

Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the same paper towel method, but reduce the cooking time to 30-60 seconds.

Why are my nuggets still soggy despite using paper towels?

You might be using too few paper towels, cooking too many nuggets at once, or your nuggets might have excess frost on them. Try patting them dry before microwaving and using more paper towels.

Can I make my own dipping sauce for microwave nuggets?

Absolutely! Try mixing mayonnaise with a bit of honey and mustard for a quick honey mustard sauce, or combine ketchup with a dash of hot sauce for a spicy dip.

Best Dipping Sauces for Your Perfectly Microwaved Nuggets

Now that you’ve mastered the art of microwaving chicken nuggets, let’s talk about what to dip them in! Here are some classic and creative options:

• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy – a classic combo that never fails
• BBQ Sauce: Smoky and savory perfection
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herbaceous
• Sweet and Sour: Tangy with a sweet finish
• Buffalo Sauce: For those who like it hot
• Sriracha Mayo: Mix equal parts for a spicy, creamy treat

The Environmental Consideration

One thing to note: this method does use paper towels, which isn’t the most eco-friendly option. If you’re concerned about waste, you can try using a microwave-safe rack elevated slightly above a plate to allow moisture to drip away, though results may vary.

Final Thoughts

While microwaved chicken nuggets might never achieve quite the same level of crispiness as those made in an oven or air fryer, the paper towel method significantly improves their texture and makes them a viable option when you’re in a hurry.

Remember that microwaves vary in power, so you might need to adjust cooking times slightly based on your specific model. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit to find the perfect timing for your microwave.

So next time you’re craving chicken nuggets but don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat, give these microwave techniques a try. With the right approach, you can enjoy tasty, relatively crispy nuggets in just a few minutes!

Now go enjoy those crispy nuggets – you’ve earned them!