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Chicken nuggets air fryer cook time

Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 min.

Cook time8 to 10 minutes
Set to400°F
  • Cook0 to 4 min
  • Shake, then finish4 to 10 min
Batches1
Safe inside165°F
  • A thermometer in the thickest part tells you when it is done.
  • Air fryers vary by model. Start checking at the low end of the time.

What are you cooking?

FoodChicken nuggetsChange

Poultry

Beef

Pork

Seafood

Potatoes

Vegetables

Eggs

Snacks

How much?

Units
oz

Your air fryer

Type
Size
Power

Before you start

Preheated
Finish

More options

Liner

Chicken nuggets in the air fryer

Air fry chicken nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. That is for frozen, precooked, in a preheated basket air fryer; the calculator above fits it to your weight, your air fryer and how you like it. Shake the basket halfway, so every piece crisps.

It is safe once the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), as USDA advises; a thermometer tells you more than the clock.

Chicken nuggets in an air fryer basket
CutTemperatureTime
Frozen, precooked400°F (200°C)8 to 10 min

Questions

What temperature should I air fry chicken nuggets at?

400°F (200°C) for frozen, precooked, for 8 to 10 minutes. Pick another cut in the calculator and the heat and time follow it.

Should I shake the basket?

Yes, halfway through, so every piece crisps evenly. Start the timer and it tells you when.

How do I check chicken nuggets for doneness?

When the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer, as USDA advises. The time gets you close; the thermometer tells you.

Do I need to thaw chicken nuggets first?

No. These times are for cooking straight from the freezer, so there is no need to thaw.

How much can I cook at once?

One layer, with a little room between the pieces, so the hot air reaches them all. Piled higher, food steams instead of crisping; the calculator splits a bigger amount into batches.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

These times assume a preheated air fryer, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. From cold, choose "No, from cold" and 3 minutes are added.