Once you make air fryer frozen nuggets, you'll never microwave them again! They're crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

If you enjoyed my air fryer tofu nuggets, you'll love this air fried frozen nuggets recipe too! They're quick and easy to make, with minimal clean up.
I typically make these for a quick lunch, but they work for a simple weeknight dinner or afternoon snack too!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Air fryer frozen nuggets do not need to be thawed and can be cooked from frozen.
- Additionally, no preheating of the air fryer is necessary.
- Plus, no oil is needed for air fryer chicken tenders!
Using your air fryer ensures evenly cooked nuggets with a perfect crunchy-tender bite every time.
Microwaving nuggets takes less time, but the texture turns rubbery and soggy.
Baking nuggets takes about the same amount of time, but you have to wait for the oven to preheat plus warm up the entire kitchen.

Equipment
My toaster oven air fryer has quickly become one of my most used kitchen appliances! It's large enough to cook in big batches, yet compact enough to fit on the countertop.
Ingredients
- Frozen vegan chicken nuggets
Best Vegan Nuggets Brands
I've tried my fair share of frozen vegan nuggets over the years. Here are my favorite brands!
- Gardein
- Impossible
- Beyond Meat
- Lightlife
- Alpha Foods
- Like Meat
- MorningStar Farms
Even if a package says plant based nuggets, be sure to check the ingredient label to ensure it's dairy free, egg free, and vegan friendly! What's the best vegan chicken nuggets brand, in your opinion?

How to Make Vegan Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Arrange the frozen nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Cooking Tips
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. If cooking in multiple batches, the air fryer will already be warm, so nuggets may cook a bit quicker.
- If you prefer extra crispy nuggets, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- You can flip the nuggets halfway through, but it's not required.
How to Serve
Dunk crispy nuggets into your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, mustard, or bbq sauce! Optionally, serve alongside french fries, tater tots, or a side salad.
Storage and Reheating
Once the nuggets are cooked and cooled, they can be stored in the fridge for later!
How to store leftovers
I recommend cooking the serving size you intend to eat, however if you have leftovers, store nuggets in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for a day or so.
How to reheat
Warm nuggets in the air fryer at 400F for 6-8 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes
Try these easy vegan air fryer recipes next:
- Easy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- How to Make Air Fryer Tacos
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Vegan Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Frozen Vegan Nuggets
Equipment
Ingredients
- Frozen vegan nuggets
Instructions
- Arrange desired serving size of frozen nuggets in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Notes
- Serving size per 14-ounce package frozen nuggets is 6 pieces, about 4 servings.
- To ensure even cooking, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- If cooking in batches, the air fryer will already be warm, so nuggets may cook a bit quicker.
- If you prefer extra crispy nuggets, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve nuggets with an assortment of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or bbq sauce. Optionally, enjoy with a side salad, french fries, or tater tots.

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