Golden brown crispy chicken nuggets on a serving plate
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Emma Lawson | 
14.07.2025

Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer Recipe

Learn how to make frozen chicken nuggets in air fryer perfectly every time. This method ensures crispy nuggets without all the oil from traditional frying. With just a few steps, you'll have a quick and easy meal ready to serve. Enjoy these air fryer chicken nuggets as a tasty treat for the whole family!
Prep Time
5m
Cook
12m
Total Time
17m
Yield
serves 4
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Frozen Foods
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Frozen Foods

What You’ll Need for Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Essential Ingredients

  • 500g frozen chicken nuggets
  • Cooking spray

Dipping Sauce

You can elevate your air fryer chicken nuggets by serving them with various dipping sauces like honey mustard, sweet chili, or even a homemade aioli. These sauces add an extra layer of flavour and make your meal more exciting especially when hosting friends or family.

Why Use Cooking Spray

Using a light cooking spray on the frozen chicken nuggets before air frying ensures they crisp up nicely. This also helps prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleaning up a breeze. Opt for a neutral oil spray such as canola or olive oil to keep the flavours consistent and the nuggets perfectly crunchy.

Steps to Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

This method will guide you to prepare crispy frozen chicken nuggets in your air fryer.

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Arrange the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
  4. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
  5. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Avoid Overcooking

Make sure to check the nuggets a couple of minutes before the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Frozen chicken nuggets arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket

Nutrition for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Calories: 280 | Protein: 24g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 10g

Serving Suggestions for Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

Serve these crispy nuggets with a side of fresh salad or some sweet potato fries. For a quick family meal, pair them with mashed potatoes or a selection of dips and sauces for dipping. They are also great for a children's party served with carrot and cucumber sticks.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These air fryer chicken nuggets are not just a quick snack but a savoury delight you'll come to love. They're perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, satisfying meal option. The air fryer ensures they're crispy without the guilt of deep frying. For more amazing recipes, visit airfryerrecipe.co.uk where you'll find loads of other air fryer inspiration to keep your menu exciting!

Explore other Recipes below!

FAQs About Frozen Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

How long to air fry frozen nuggets?

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Typically, frozen chicken nuggets should be air fried at 400°F for about 12 minutes.
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Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken nuggets?

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Yes, preheating the air fryer to 400°F helps achieve optimal crispiness.
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Can I stack chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket?

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It's best to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
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What’s the best dipping sauce for air fryer chicken nuggets?

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Barbecue, honey mustard, or sweet chilli sauce pair perfectly with crispy nuggets.
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