There are many opinions among home cooks on whether you can stack chicken nuggets in an air fryer or not. So let’s make it clear if you can stack chicken nuggets in the air fryer.
Yes, you can stack chicken nuggets in an air fryer. But only as long as you can ensure that the hot air flows properly between the pieces. It is important to use the proper technique and the right air fryer and its accessories so that the stacking will be successful.
If you learn how to do this well, it will significantly reduce the time spent in the kitchen, and you can surprise every member of the family at the same time with freshly fried chicken nuggets.
Ways to stack chicken nuggets in an air fryer
There are few things to consider when it comes to stacking nuggets in an air fryer. You can do it with or without racks, but you need to be more careful if you do it without racks.
With racks
By using a rack inside the air fryer, you will at least double the amount of chicken nuggets you can make at the same time.
You can find different types of racks depending on the type of your air fryer. A single-layer rack is available for smaller ones, and for larger air fryers, you can purchase double-layered racks.
Using racks is very simple. Fill the air fryer bottom level with chicken nuggets, making sure they don’t touch each other, so the hot air will make them crispy on all sides.
Place the rack in the air fryer and arrange the remaining nuggets on it, paying attention to the distance between them here as well.
I found some great racks on amazon which I use myself. These racks can ease your air fryer food stacking problems every time:
BEST RACK FOR STACKING
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BEST RACK FOR STACKING AND DEHYDRATION
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BEST RACK FOR NINJA AIR FRYER
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Without racks
If you would like to stack the chicken nuggets in an air fryer without using racks, it is essential to use chicken nuggets with a maximum size of 1.5 inches (4 cm) on their longest side.
Store-bought nuggets usually meet these criteria, making them suitable for stacking. If you make chicken nuggets at home, make sure they are not bigger, otherwise, they will stick together quickly, and the result can be disappointing.
If you are stacking without a rack, you have to flip the nuggets at least twice during the cooking process. The easiest way to do this is to gently mix them with a heat-resistant tong or shake and toss the basket twice during the frying process. By flipping and tossing, the whole nugget is exposed to hot air, which assures crispiness.
How many chicken nuggets can you put in an air fryer
It just depends on the size of your air fryer. Smaller ones (up to 3 quarts) can make enough food for 1-2 people at a time. It means that you can put about 10-12 chicken nuggets into it without using racks.
In a medium-sized air fryer (4-5 quart), you can fry roughly 14-16 pieces of chicken nuggets at the same time, with no rack used.
If you have an air fryer oven, you can put about 40-42 pieces of chicken nuggets in it!
How long to cook chicken nuggets in an air fryer (frozen or unfrozen)
You can cook frozen or unfrozen chicken nuggets perfectly using an air fryer, but there are a few differences that you have to pay attention to.
Using frozen chicken nuggets
If you use frozen chicken nuggets, it is very important not to thaw them before frying! It would be best to put the nuggets in the hot (preheated) air fryer when they are still frozen. Otherwise, they will not be crispy.
First, preheat the air fryer to 400 Fahrenheit (204 Celsius) for 5 minutes. The chicken nuggets available in the stores are usually pre-fried, so you don’t have to use extra oil for frying. Put the nuggets in the air fryer and start cooking.
If you use racks, fry the chicken nuggets for 8 minutes, then flip them and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
If you don’t use racks, fry the chicken nuggets for 6 minutes, then stir them with a tong or shake and toss the basket a little. Fry them for another 4 minutes, then repeat the stirring or shaking process. Fry them for an additional 4 minutes, and they are ready.
You can also use a meat thermometer: push it into the middle of one or two chicken nuggets. When their internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit (74 Celsius), they are ready. If the internal temp is lower, cook them for two more minutes.
Using unfrozen chicken nuggets
If you use homemade, unfrozen chicken nuggets, the cooking time will be shorter.But it would be best if you spray them with some oil before cooking in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 390 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius) for 4 minutes. Gently spray the nuggets with oil, then put them into the air fryer and start cooking.
If you use racks, cook the nuggets for 6 minutes, flip them and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
If you don’t use racks, cook the chicken nuggets for 4 minutes. Then stir them with a tong or shake the basket, and cook for 3 more minutes. After another turn of stirring or shaking, cook them for an additional 3 minutes, and they are ready.
Which type of air fryers can you use for stacking chicken nuggets
You can use small air fryers without racks, bigger ones with or without racks, or huge air fryer ovens. But let’s take a look at some air fryers that are best for stacking chicken nuggets.
NINJA FOODIE AIR FRYER
My personal favorite is the Ninja Foodi 6-in1 8-quart air fryer. It is unique in this category because it has two independent baskets with its own heaters and fans. It is perfect for stacking chicken nuggets and making the side dish simultaneously in the same air fryer.
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DASH AIR FRYER
Suppose you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, this Dash Compact Electric. It has a 2.6-quart basket that can fry enough food for 2 people in no time. It is big enough for around 12 nuggets but at the same time small enough to fit any kitchen.
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INSTA VORTEX AIR FRYER
This Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer is an amazing machine that you should have in your kitchen. Its 6-quart single basket is big enough to put a rack in it and make food for 3-4 people at the same time.
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Conclusion
When it comes to stacking chicken nuggets in an air fryer, the size of the air fryer doesn’t really play a big part. You can achieve the same excellent results with a smaller or larger machine. Properly sized chicken nuggets and the correct application of the technique are what lead to success.