Dino Nuggets Air Fryer Adventure 101: an easy way to make kids roar with delight
Nuggets and mac ‘n’ cheese are our go-to meal for the kids on our date nights, and cooking dino nuggets air fryer style makes dinner especially fast and easy.
It’s kinda been a game-changer for us.
Not sure what it is about the dino shape that ups the fun factor for the kids but it works. Pretty sure the nuggets taste the same regardless of the shape.
Why dino nuggets in the air fryer are beloved
Let’s face it, dino nuggets are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a kid at heart, or just craving a nostalgic snack, those little prehistoric bites of goodness never disappoint.
But here’s the thing: we’re about to level up our dino nugget game by cooking them in the air fryer. Yes, you heard that right – crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious dino nuggets, all thanks to the magic of air frying.
Now, you might be wondering, why air fryer? First off, air fryers are like culinary wizards.
They use hot air circulation to cook food evenly and give it that perfect golden crispiness, all without drowning it in oil. And when it comes to dino nuggets, that means healthier nuggets that still pack a crunch-worthy punch.
Dino nuggets air fryer style: what kind to use?
Tyson Dino Nuggets:
This is one of the more popular brands. You can find Tyson Fun Chicken Nuggets in most major grocery stores along with their dinosaur-shaped ones in places like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Safeway.
Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets:
Applegate offers a variety of natural and organic chicken products, including dino-shaped nuggets. Look for Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets at health food stores like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and online retailers like Amazon.
Perdue Dino Buddies:
Perdue is another reputable brand that produces dinosaur chicken nuggets called Dino Buddies. You can typically find Perdue Dino Buddies in major grocery store chains such as Publix, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Stop & Shop.
Banquet Dino Buddies:
Banquet offers an affordable option for dino nugget lovers with their Dino Buddies line. You can find Banquet Dino Buddies in the frozen food section of most supermarkets and grocery stores, including Walmart, Albertsons, and WinCo Foods.
Trader Joe’s Dinosaur-shaped Chicken Nuggets:
Trader Joe’s is known for its affordable food, including their dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets in the freezer section.
Gold’n Plump Dino Buddies:
Gold’n Plump is a brand that offers dinosaur chicken nuggets called Dino Buddies, which are available in select grocery stores and supermarkets across the United States.
How to cook dino nuggets in an air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer for your dinosaur nuggets to the recommended temperature. I do mine at 400 degrees. (depending on the type you have you might not even have to do this. I hardly ever preheated the first air fryer I owned.)
Arrange the dino nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I try not to allow them to touch as the spot where they touch never cooks as well.
Cook the nuggets in batches if necessary. I cook mine for 9 minutes total
at 400 degrees.Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking process for even crispiness.
Check for doneness and adjust cooking time if needed.
What you need to make these fun-shaped nuggets in the air fryer
bag of frozen dino nuggets of your choice
air fryer of your choice
tongs
appetite for adventure (you don’t actually have to have this but it just sounds like you’re taking things to the next level when you say this.
Why reheating frozen Dino nuggets in air fryer is so good
You literally can pop in previously cooked dino nuggets in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
The benefit is that it crisps them up while it reheats as opposed to the conventional microwave which can make the leftovers soggy. I despise soggy leftovers.
How long to cook Dino chicken nuggets in the air fryer
It depends on the type of air fryer you own but we cook ours for 9 minutes. I’ve used several different kinds of air fryer but the one we own now is integrated into our oven.
Do you need to use oil?
In most air fryers you do not need to use oil or spray the basket.
If it makes you feel better, you can always add your oil but it’s not a must.
How do you serve it
Serve them however your kids will eat them.
Seriously.
I’ll put dinner on a miniature moving rolling coaster if it means the kids will eat a healthy meal.
Stack ’em up, lay them out, or add a plastic dinosaur to the mix. Have fun with it.
I made a few look like they were fighting each other the other day. I considered smearing ketchup all around them to look especially realistic of a fight but then I reconsidered since it might be a little violent for dinner.
Maybe they’re fighting, or maybe they’re just yummy dino buddies.
Arrange the crispy nuggets on a plate or in a serving basket, ensuring they’re hot and ready to enjoy.
We have a red “you are special plate” that we take turns giving to each child during dinner. We explain what that child has been doing lately that’s so fantastic.
It’s a small gesture but my kids love it! Never pass up a chance to encourage and support your child and tell them their amazing.
Dipping sauces to serve with your air fryer dino nuggets
But wait, there’s more! The beauty of air-fried dino nuggets is that they’re a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Whip up some dipping sauces – barbecue, honey mustard, ranch – the options are endless.
Ketchup: A classic choice that’s tangy, sweet, and pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of dino nuggets.
Barbeque Sauce: Whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy, bbq sauce adds depth of flavor and a hint of heat to your nuggets.
Honey Mustard: Creamy and slightly sweet, honey mustard offers a delightful balance of flavors that complements the savory taste of dino nuggets.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herb-infused, ranch dressing is a versatile dip that adds a cool and tangy element to your nuggets.
Buffalo Sauce: If you’re craving a bit of heat, buffalo sauce provides a fiery kick with a tangy twist that elevates the flavor of your dino nuggets.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, spicy, and tangy, sweet chili sauce adds a zesty punch that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlic-infused, aioli offers a rich and indulgent dip that enhances the savory goodness of your dino nuggets.
Honey Sriracha: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy, honey sriracha sauce adds a bold and flavorful kick to your air fryer dino nuggets.
Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet and savory, teriyaki sauce lends a delicious Asian-inspired flavor profile that pairs beautifully with dino nuggets.
How to store leftover dino nuggets you made in the air fryer
Once cooled, transfer the nuggets to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Ensure that the container or bag is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can lead to the nuggets becoming soggy or losing their crispiness.
You can store the cooked dino nuggets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to store them for longer, consider freezing them instead.
To freeze, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
The air fryer has surged in popularity lately and we simply love ours. There are tons of great recipes online. I’d suggest trying air fryer biscuits next using refrigerated canned biscuits. Huge hit with the kids and easy to make.
Best sides for chicken nuggets
We always serve mac n cheese with our nuggets to make a complete meal because the kids love it and it’s fast to whip up. Other good side ideas include:
Sweet Potato Fries: You can easily slice some sweet potatoes into skinny strips. Then toss in olive oil, and add some salt, and pepper. Air fry until crispy. Can always use french fries too.
Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then air fry until they are crispy on the edges.
Zucchini Fries: Cut zucchini into sticks, dip them in beaten egg, coat them with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then air fry until golden brown.
Crispy Green Beans: Toss fresh green beans in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then air fry until they are crispy.
Avocado Fries: Slice avocados into wedges, dip them in flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. Air fry until golden brown and crispy.
More kid-friendly snack ideas
Always looking for good, fun, and healthy snacks for my kids. See my round-up of the best Valentine’s snacks for the upcoming love holiday.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks – dino nuggets in the air fryer, a match made in crispy heaven. Quick, easy, and a kid crowd-pleaser for even the picky eaters in your house.
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
