How Long To Cook Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets

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.

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Ingredients Needed
Cooking Instructions
Equipment Needed
Dipping sauce for chicken nuggets
Top Tips
📖 Recipe
FAQ

Ingredients Needed

Frozen Chicken Nuggets
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.

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

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

Air Fryer- I have a Large Breville Smart Oven
Tongs - to toss the chicken nuggets between cooking and to remove from the air fryer basket.
Oven Mit - incase the air fryer basket is hot.
Pot Holder - to place the air fryer basket on top of.

Dipping sauce for chicken nuggets

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

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

What brand of chicken nuggets are the best?

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

Dinosaur Nuggets - My kids love these because they pack some fun into meal time. They can be bought by the bulk at Costco.
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.
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!

Top Tips

Cook them right before serving so they are warm when enjoyed.
Extra crispy is how I like them!
Dip them in chili oil with some lemon juice for an asian inspired chicken nugget.

More 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

📖 Recipe

blue plate with blueberries and crispy chicken nuggets and bbq sauce

How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Nuggets

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!

Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 7 mins

Resting Time 3 mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Air Fryer
Heat Resistant Mitten

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

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.

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!

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