Air Fryer Chicken and Cheese Nuggets

Pro tips

• Drain the canned chicken thoroughly—excess liquid will prevent the nuggets from holding their shape and crisping properly.
• Don't overfill the air fryer basket; arrange nuggets in a single layer for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides brown evenly and cheese melts uniformly.
• Form nuggets slightly flattened rather than perfectly round so they cook through faster and develop a crispy exterior.

Substitutions

• Colby Jack → sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack (adjusts flavor but maintains texture)
• Canned chicken → cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded and drained well (adds freshness)
• Honey mustard → ranch or sriracha mayo (swaps dipping sauce only)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Equipment

air fryer

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to cook and shred fresh chicken first, then drain well to remove excess moisture so the nuggets hold together.

What temperature and time for the air fryer?

Air fry at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until nuggets are golden and cheese is melted and set.

Will these nuggets hold together?

Yes, the melted cheese acts as a binder. Make sure to drain the canned chicken thoroughly to prevent them from falling apart.

Can I make these ahead?

Form and refrigerate nuggets on a parchment-lined tray for up to 24 hours before air frying, or freeze for up to 3 months.

What dipping sauces work best?

Honey mustard and fry sauce are recommended, but ranch, sriracha mayo, or barbecue sauce also pair well.