Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Temperature
400°F
200°C
Time
10 min
12-15 nuggets
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
Nuggets are probably the most-cooked thing in our house, and they're ready in about ten minutes flat. Honestly they come out crunchier than the oven and I don't have to wait for it to heat up - perfect for a hungry six-year-old.
How to air fry frozen chicken nuggets
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the frozen chicken nuggets to the basket. A slight pile is okay if you shake often.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
How to tell when it's done
I know they're ready when they're golden and crisp and piping hot in the middle. A quick shake of the basket halfway stops them sticking together.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 400°F for 10 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry frozen chicken nuggets?
Air fry frozen chicken nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 12-15 nuggets in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry frozen chicken nuggets at?
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Can you cook chicken nuggets from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes - there's no need to thaw. Cook straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, and confirm the centre reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What's the safe internal temperature for chicken nuggets?
Cook chicken nuggets to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.