Air fryer chicken nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets take 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes. Cook from frozen and flip at 5 minutes for crisp outsides and juicy centers.

Air fryer chicken nuggets
Photo: @kapoorparas28 / Unsplash
Temp 350°F 180°C
Time 10min
  • For 10 pieces
  • Flip at 5 min
  • No preheat

Based on a standard basket air fryer. Times vary by 1–3 minutes between models, so start a little shorter and check as you go. Using an oven-style air fryer?

Cooking more or less?

Estimated time 10 min

A starting point only — it varies by model and load. Check during the last 2–3 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 10 frozen chicken nuggets

Steps

  1. Place the nuggets in the basket straight from frozen, in a single layer.
  2. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. Flip and cook for 5 more minutes.

Using an oven-style air fryer or a convection microwave on air fry? Spread food on a rack over a tray, and flip instead of shaking the basket.

Oven-style results

SK Magic EON-B450M · convection microwave oven

We haven't tested this one in oven-style mode yet. On the same model, try the auto-cook menu above first. On other convection or combi ovens, start from the basket values and adjust.

What changes in oven-style air fry mode

How it varies by air fryer

Nugget size and thickness can change the time by 1–2 minutes. Larger tenders may need a couple of extra minutes.

Tips

  • Don’t thaw them first. Thawed nuggets turn soggy.
  • No extra oil needed; the breading already contains some.

Troubleshooting

  • Hard, chewy coating: cooked too long. Next time, check at 8 minutes.

Updated 2026-10-15