Air Fryer Dino Nuggets Recipe

Chicken nuggets are a family favorite; everyone tends to like them, from toddlers to teens to parents, and visiting grandparents have been known to enjoy some crispy nugs, too. That's where this air fryer dino nuggets recipe comes in.

These cook up quickly and will make even your pickiest eater say “rawr!” You can have dinner on the table in a matter of minutes, and everyone will eat it. We’d say that’s a win-win situation!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Dino Nuggets Recipe
• Frozen Dino Nuggets Ingredients 
• Steps for Cooking Air Fryer Dino Nuggets
• Dino Nuggets Serving Suggestions
• Top Tips and Tricks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Air Fryer Dino Nuggets Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Dino Nuggets Recipe

There are many reasons you’ll enjoy whipping up some dinosaur nuggets for your family, or even for yourself! Here are some of them:

• They’re quick and convenient. Open the bag, toss them in the air fryer, add a side dish, and dinner is done.
• They’re kid-friendly. Most children love dinosaurs, making these fun-shaped nuggets a family favorite.
• They taste great! When put in the air fryer, chicken nuggets come out crispy and delicious.
• They’re perfect for dipping. If you want to try out different sauces or flavor combinations, these versatile nugs are a great way to do it.
• They make portion control easy. Dino nuggets are small, so serving up four or five at a time keeps portions reasonable and allows you to be aware of how many calories you’re taking in.
• They make a good packed lunch. If you’re packing lunch for yourself or your little ones, dinosaur-shaped nuggets are a fun way to get in your (or their) protein. 

Frozen Dino Nuggets Ingredients 

To make dino nuggets in the air fryer, you really only need the nuggets themselves. You won’t even need oil because the chicken pieces have enough fat in the breading that as they thaw, they’ll release the perfect amount of oil to prevent sticking. 

With that being said, many people want to be creative, so here are some additional ingredients you might choose to include:

• Dipping sauces. Think ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or cheese dip.
• Fruits and veggies. You could serve your nuggets in a bento box with a variety of fresh produce, or you might try your hand at creating a landscape with dinosaurs and broccoli “trees.”
• Macaroni and cheese. Add some crunch and protein to boxed or homemade mac-n-cheese by putting your cooked dino nuggets on top.
• Mashed potatoes. Create a volcano out of mashed potatoes and gravy, then position your nugs around it.

The possibilities are endless, so look around your house to see what you have, then think about creative ways to incorporate your ingredients into a delicious, nutritious meal.

Steps for Cooking Air Fryer Dino Nuggets

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees. 
2. Once heated, you can use cooking spray if desired, but it’s usually not necessary. You can also use parchment paper liners to prevent sticking; only add these after your fryer is fully heated and you’re ready to add the dino nuggets.
3. Place your nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s best if they’re not touching, as this will allow for better airflow.
4. Set the timer for 7 minutes. Halfway through, turn them over or shake the basket to move them around and prevent sticking.
5. When the timer dings, it’s time to remove your dino chicken nuggets from the air fryer. Serve as desired!

Alternative oven directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place your nuggets on an ungreased baking sheet. You can cover the sheet in foil or parchment paper if desired, but this isn’t necessary.
3. Cook for 12 minutes on the center rack.
4. Serve as desired.

Dino Nuggets Serving Suggestions

Dino nuggets on their own is a convenient, tasty snack. Consider some of these fun serving suggestions to make them into a full meal.

• Create a bento box by packing the nuggets with veggies, fruit, and a container or two of dip, each in its own compartment or container. This is particularly fun for a child’s lunchbox.
• Make a dinosaur landscape. If you’re serving a hot dinner, make mashed potatoes, gravy, and steamed or raw broccoli or cauliflower. Create a “volcano” out of the mashed potatoes and gravy, and stand up the cruciferous veggies as “trees.” The dinosaurs can go around the scene, where they’ll enjoy the Jurassic landscape until they get eaten.
• Turn them into slider sandwiches. If you aren’t concerned about enjoying the shape of your dino nuggets as you eat, you can put them in small rolls and make chicken sliders. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and the sauces of your choice.
• Create a dipping plate. Along with your dino nuggets, place several types of dip on your plate.
• Make a themed lunch. Get out your dinosaur cookie cutters and cut out cheese, fruit slices, and other fun foods into dinosaur shapes. Pack these together in your child’s lunch. 
• Add them to breakfast. You can serve nuggets with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and a side of honey for dipping.

Top Tips and Tricks

While dinosaur chicken nuggets are simple to make, here are a few tips that can help you ensure success and a tasty meal:

• Preheat your air fryer. Don’t place the nuggets in the basket until it’s hot; this will create the satisfying sizzle that leads to a great crunch.
• Flip midway. If you leave your nuggets unflipped, they might only get crisp on one side.
• Serve immediately. Don't let them get osggy. If you need to keep them warm because you’re cooking the rest of the meal, place them in your oven set to 200 degrees or on the “keep warm” setting.
• Don’t use your microwave. The package might have microwave instructions, but this will lead to soggy nugs. Spend the few extra minutes cooking them in the air fryer or oven.