Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets: the best way to make the easiest meal even easier! This method for cooking frozen nuggets is quick, easy, fool-proof, and yields perfect results every time.

Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets?! I’m all for home-cooked meals. But I’m also all for convenience and the occasional frozen chicken nuggets meal. It’s about balance, right? Air Fryer Frozen Eggrolls and Air Fryer Frozen Fries are another staple in our house.

But these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets take an already super simple dinner and make it even simpler! No waiting for the oven to warm up, no 20+ minute cooking time…the air fryer has your meal ready to go in a matter of a few minutes.

It’s convenience made even more convenient! Perfect for parents of toddlers and older kids!

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Frozen Chicken Nuggets – Any variety will work! You can make dino nuggets in the air fryer, Tyson chicken nuggets in the air fryer, you name it. Whatever you have on hand is great. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary a little bit depending on the size and shape of the nuggets you use.

Craving some chicken nuggets but don’t have any in your freezer? Check out my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe! They are a bit more seasoned than traditional nuggets but you can always adapt the amount of seasoning to your family’s taste and this recipe also works with chicken breast.

How to make this recipe 

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

Making chicken nuggets in the air fryer is about as easy as it gets! Simply add the nuggets in a single layer into the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 9-12 minutes, flip or shake the basket once.

Yep. That’s it! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce: Sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, ranch, or whatever floats your boat. My toddler loves this unsweetened ketchup (affiliate link).

Expert tips for success

• Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400ºF and let it preheat for a few minutes before you add in the nuggets. This ensures perfect cooking every time!
• No need to line or grease the basket. There’s no real risk of the frozen nuggets sticking, so the extra step isn’t necessary.
• Give them space. Make sure the nugs are in a single layer so there is enough space for the air to circulate around them. If they’re stacked up or overlapping, you’ll end up with a soggy texture rather than crispy! My Cosori air fryer fits about 14 nuggets, but that number will vary depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Frozen chicken nuggets air fryer time tip: Don’t forget that the air frying time will vary depending on the chicken nuggets you’re cooking. Smaller nuggets will need less time, while larger ones will need more. 
• Check the temp. The best way to determine that the nuggets are done cooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160ºF.
• Keep an eye on them. Some air fryers run a bit hotter than others, so make sure you keep a close eye on your nuggets to make sure they don’t burn.
• For more even cooking, give the basket a little shake about halfway through the cooking time. 

Recipe FAQs

Serve it with

We all know chicken nuggets are best with a couple of delicious dipping sauces! Serve these up with a side of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, Chick Fil A sauce, you name it! 

Want to round your meal out a bit? Chicken nuggets are delicious with a side of French fries or tater tots, roasted green beans, or mac and cheese!

How to store

Once your frozen chicken nuggets are cooked, they are best served right away. However, if you do have leftovers they will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, place back in the air fryer and cook for a couple of minutes or until heated through.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Never Miss A Recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more great recipes and all of the latest updates.