Made too many chicken nuggets last night? Here’s how to reheat chicken nuggets in the air fryer so they’re just as crispy and delicious as when they were first cooked.
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Why air frying leftover chicken nuggets is the best way to reheat them
Chicken nuggets are a convenient and tasty dish when they are freshly cooked, but if you have ever tried reheating them, you will know that it can be difficult to get them as tasty as they were when they were first cooked.
As you probably know, reheating leftover chicken nuggets in a microwave is going to lead to soft, unappetizing nuggets. You can reheat them in your oven, or in a skillet for better results, but that takes time.
But, if you reheat chicken nuggets in the air fryer, they’ll come out perfectly in less time than it takes to heat up your oven. And best of all, they will still be crispy (unlike the microwaved version)!
Scroll down for the printable card with instructions on how to reheat chicken nuggets in air fryer, or read on for all the details.
What do you need?
Leftover chicken nuggets
Whether you made too many of these delicious homemade air fryer Chick-fil-A nuggets, or these air fryer frozen chicken nuggets, or whether you just have leftover Mcdonald’s chicken nuggets, you can reheat them in the air fryer.
Olive oil
A quick spray or a light brush of olive oil will help get the best results when air frying leftover nuggets. It will help them to stay crispy without drying out.
Tip
When choosing an olive oil spray for your air fryer, look for the type that spritzes rather than an aerosol. The propellant in aerosol oil sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
Directions
Step 1: Remove the chicken nuggets from the refrigerator, and give them a light spray or brush with olive oil.
Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 380°F/ 190°C for 2-3 minutes. This is important as you want the air fryer to be up to temperature as soon as you place the nuggets in to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Place leftover chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Reheat in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Air fry leftover nuggets at 380°F/ 190°C for 2-3 minute intervals. After each interval, check the internal temperature (flip the nuggets over if required for your air fryer), and continue reheating until they reach at least 165°F/ 74°C in the center of the thickest nuggets (test a few to be sure).
How long to reheat chicken nuggets in the air fryer
The exact time needed for reheating chicken nuggets in the air fryer will depend on a few factors, including how large the chicken nuggets are and how powerful your air fryer is.
Chicken should be reheated until it reaches 165°F/ 74°C in the center. Reheating the nuggets in 2-3 minute intervals and testing the temperature after each interval is the best way to get the chicken nuggets to the right temperature without overcooking them.
Printable card

Reheat chicken nuggets in air fryer
How to reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 12 leftover chicken nuggets (cooked)
- 1 tespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F/ 190°C for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove chicken nuggets from the refrigerator and lightly spray or brush with oil.
- Place nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching [Note 1].
- Air fry leftover chicken nuggets at 380°F/ 190°C for 2-3 minute intervals. After each interval, check the internal temperature, flip the nuggets over [Note 2], and continue reheating until the nuggets reach at least 165°F/ 74°C in the center of the thickest part [Note 3].
Notes
- Reheat nuggets in batches if necessary.
- Flip the nuggets over if required for your air fryer.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 910mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 20g
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
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- Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
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