• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Curry Mommy
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop The Curry Mommy Favorites!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Favorites
  • All Recipes
  • Shop Favorites
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    The Curry Mommy » Kid Friendly

    Air Fried Frozen Chicken Nuggets

    Published: May 27, 2021 · Modified: May 11, 2022 by The Curry Mommy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • WhatsApp
    • Share
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • Telegram
    Jump to Recipe

    My Guide on How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Nuggets. These crispy chicken nuggets are cooked within minutes in an air-fryer! Whether you like them crispy or soft, air-fried chicken nuggets are a winner for people of all ages.

    air fried chicken nuggets dino shape from costco

    Easy Meal Idea- Perfect for gatherings or a quick meal! Dino nuggets in particular are delicious and can bring the kid out in an adult.


    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Needed
    • Cooking Instructions
    • Equipment Needed
    • Dipping sauce for chicken nuggets
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQ
    • Other Kid-Friendly Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients Needed

    1. Frozen Chicken Nuggets
    2. Dipping Sauce of Choice

    Cooking Instructions

    Start by preheating the air fryer while you grab the frozen nuggets to air fry and lay them on the crisper pan or air fryer basket.

    frozen dinosaur nuggets on a basket

    Place the basket in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

    cooking nuggets in an air fryer

    Toss/flip once between the cooking process and cook until heated through (about 5 minutes)

    frozen protein nuggets in a fryer basket

    Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce and a serving of fruit and/or vegetable.

    blueberries, bbq sauce, and chicken nuggets on an orange plate

    Equipment Needed

    1. Air Fryer- I have a Large Breville Smart Oven.
    2. Tongs - to toss the chicken nuggets between cooking and removing them from the air fryer basket.
    3. Oven Mit - in case the air fryer basket is hot.
    4. Pot Holder - to place the air fryer basket on top of.

    Dipping sauce for chicken nuggets

    dino chicken being dipped in ketchup

    Growing up we ate nuggets with ketchup and BBQ sauce, which is great for kids! But if you love spice then try these...

    1. Nando's XX spicy sauce - Purchase at Indian grocery stores or Target.
    2. Restaurant Style Homemade Buttermilk Ranch
    3. Trader Joe's Habanero Sauce - super spicy and great when mixed with a milder sauce.
    4. Buffalo Wild Wings!
      • Mango Habanero Sauce
      • Caribbean Jerk Sauce
      • Wild Sauce
      • Blazin (it is packed with heat)

    What brand of chicken nuggets is the best?

    This is a matter of opinion and based on dietary restrictions but here are a few of my favorites and why...

    1. Dinosaur Nuggets - My kids love these because they pack some fun into mealtime. They can be bought by the bulk at Costco.
    2. Gluten Free and Organic- These healthier option frozen chicken nuggets by Earth's Best Brand are almost always found in our freezer that we purchase at Whole Foods. They cook juicy in under 5 minutes and taste delicious.
    3. Family Favorite Frozen Chicken Nuggets - Tyson Frozen Chicken Nuggets! One would assume I am biased about this option being an Arkansas native, but they never fail to impress me with taste and Air Fry Tyson Frozen Chicken Nuggets taste better and better with every bite. Find them at Sam's Club (another Arkansas company) by the bulk!
    a box of dino buddies chicken nuggets
    blueberries, bbq sauce, and chicken nuggets on an orange plate

    Expert Tips

    1. Cook them right before serving so they are warm when enjoyed.
    2. Extra crispy is how I like them!
    3. Dip them in chili oil with some lemon juice for an Asian-inspired chicken nugget.
    basket or crisper pan with nuggets

    Recipe FAQ

    What type of air fryer is the best?

    Depending on your family size, budget preference, and quantity of food to cook this can vary. I have a large Breville Smart Oven which is perfect for a family of 4.

    Can I use parchment in the air fryer?

    It is not recommended to use parchment paper in an air fryer.

    How to make juicy food in an air fryer?

    Spray the food with oil before and during the cooking process. Adding oil throughout the cooking phase will help keep moisture in and not dry out the outside of foods.

    Can you air fry frozen chicken nuggets?

    Yes, you can air fry chicken nuggets that are still frozen. There is no need to defrost frozen nuggets. Just place the frozen chicken into the air fryer basket after preheating the air fryer.

    Can you air fry Tyson Chicken Nuggets?

    Yes! There is no need to defrost. Take the frozen chicken nuggets and place them straight in a preheated air fryer.

    Can you air fry McDonald's Chicken Nuggets?

    Yes! Reheat cold McDonald's Chicken Nuggets in the air fryer by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees. Take the refrigerated chicken nuggets out of the fridge and air fry them for 3 minutes. That quick and easy!


    Other Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (copycat)
    • Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe
    • Thanksgiving Day Menu

    Air Fryer Recipes

    • Crispy Okra Fries with an Easy Garlic Dipping Sauce
    • Grilled Cilantro Chicken Wings
    • Holiday Chicken Kebab Recipe
    • Masala Hot Dogs Stuffed with Spicy Chutney

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & consider leaving a comment as well. I would greatly appreciate it!

    Next, consider a follow on social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!


    📖 Recipe

    blue plate with blueberries and crispy chicken nuggets and bbq sauce

    How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Nuggets

    The Curry Mommy
    A meal we as a family can all agree on are air fried chicken nuggets. They cook perfectly crisp or soft in the air fryer based on preference. Not only that, its a super fast meal that can be ready within minutes of getting home from school, sports, or a night out!
    5 from 3 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Resting Time 3 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Heat Resistant Mitten

    Ingredients
      

    • 152 oz chicken nuggets, (about 16 dinosaur nuggets)
    • spray oil (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
    • Layer the air fryer basket tray with the chicken nuggets, assuring they are not overlapping.
    • Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes. Toss/flip them half way through and spray with oil (optional).
    • Serve with a tasty dipping sauce.
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @TheCurryMommy or #thecurrymommy!
    « Crispy Okra Fries with an Easy Garlic Dipping Sauce
    Khatta Poodla - Savory Rice Flour Pancakes »
    • WhatsApp
    • Share
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • Telegram

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Me

    curry mommy headshot Garlic labneh mediterranean greek ypgurt dip with garlic black peppers and olive oil

    I love sharing easy to make global recipes for the whole family! Come browse follower favorites which range from butter chicken to creamy mushroom pasta. Read more about me here.


    Meal Ideas for Gatherings

    • Gulab Jamun Cupcakes
    • Sev Usal Recipe
    • Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu
    • Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Paneer Makhani)
    • Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
    • Chicken Keema Tacos

    Your Favorites!

    • Egg Kheema
    • Lamb Chops - A Quick and Easy Fail-Proof Recipe
    • Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
    • Boneless Tandoori Chicken - A Quick and Easy Recipe
    • Chicken Jalfrezi - Bell Pepper Chicken Curry
    • Healthy Chicken Kebabs Baked In the Oven
    • Hariyali Jeera Chicken - A Quick 10 Minute Recipe
    • Indian Salad Recipe with Greens

    Follow Along

    • The Curry Mommy - Instagram Page
    • The Curry Mommy - Facebook Page
    • The Curry Mommy - Pinterest Page
    • The Curry Mommy - Youtube Channel
    • The Curry Mommy - Amazon Shop

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Email
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe

    Recipes

    • Curry Recipes
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Gujarati Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes

    Resources

    • Like To Know It
    • Follow on Pinterest
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Amazon Storefront

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Curry Mommy