Reheating nuggets in an air fryer at 180°C for 3-5 minutes restores their crispiness better than a microwave. The hot circulating air revives the coating while keeping the inside tender, making it the best way to reheat nuggets in an air fryer. Whether you’ve got leftover takeaway nuggets or homemade batches from the fridge, this method beats soggy microwave results every time.
Air fryers excel at reheating nuggets because they recreate the original cooking environment. Unlike microwaves that steam food, the rapid air circulation crisps the exterior while gently warming the centre. This makes reheating nuggets in an air fryer ideal for maintaining texture. It’s also faster than using a conventional oven – no preheating needed. For more air fryer time-saving tips, check out our recipe collection featuring quick meals.
Another advantage is portion control. You can reheat just enough nuggets for one serving without wasting energy. The air fryer’s compact size makes it perfect for smaller quantities compared to firing up a full-sized oven. This method works brilliantly for frozen nuggets too – simply add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
180°C (350°F) is the sweet spot for reheating nuggets in an air fryer. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the coating but won’t dry out the meat. Some models have a specific reheat function – if yours does, use it! Otherwise, manual settings work perfectly. For different air fryer models and their settings, our conversion chart helps adjust cooking times.
Start by arranging your nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket – overcrowding leads to uneven heating. There’s no need to grease the basket as the nuggets already contain oil. Set the temperature to 180°C and timer for 3 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, shake the basket and check for crispiness. Most nuggets will be perfectly reheated by now, but larger pieces might need another 1-2 minutes.
For extra crispy results, spritz the nuggets lightly with oil before reheating. This trick works wonders for reviving day-old nuggets. If you’re reheating nuggets from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and shake halfway through. The same method applies to veggie nuggets or other varieties – just adjust timing slightly if they’re particularly thick.
Always reheat nuggets in an air fryer straight from the fridge – don’t let them sit at room temperature first. This prevents bacterial growth and ensures even heating. If your nuggets have sauce on them, reheat them separately to maintain crispiness. For more food safety tips when reheating, visit our homepage guides.
If your reheated nuggets are drying out, reduce the temperature by 10°C and check them earlier. Some air fryers run hotter than others. Conversely, if they’re not crispy enough, extend the time in 1-minute increments. Never reheat nuggets in an air fryer for more than 8 minutes total as they’ll become tough. For particularly dry nuggets, place a small ovenproof dish of water in the air fryer to add moisture.
Sticking can be an issue with certain coatings. To prevent this, use parchment paper designed for air fryers or lightly grease the basket. If you’re reheating breaded nuggets, they might need a light spray of oil to restore crispiness. Our cleaning guide helps remove any stubborn residue afterwards.
All nuggets reheat well in an air fryer, but breaded varieties regain their texture best. Homemade nuggets with panko breadcrumbs become beautifully crisp again. Even healthier baked or grilled nuggets benefit from air fryer reheating compared to other methods. For inspiration on making your own, explore our chicken recipes section.
