Ingredients:
- 16–20 pieces (approx. 450 g) Frozen Dino Buddies (or similar frozen chicken nugget)
- 1 tsp Neutral Cooking Spray or 5 mL oil (Avocado or vegetable oil)
- Pinch Kosher Salt (optional)
- Pinch Freshly Ground Black Pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes. This initial heat is essential for achieving immediate crispness.
- Prep the Buddies: While the fryer heats, place the frozen Dino Buddies into a medium bowl. Lightly mist them with the neutral cooking oil spray or toss with 1 teaspoon of liquid oil. This small amount of fat significantly enhances browning and crunch.
- Arrange the Basket: Carefully arrange the oiled buddies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap; adequate air circulation is the key to uniform crispiness. Work in batches if necessary.
- Initial Cook: Place the basket back into the fryer. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 4 minutes.
- Shake and Flip: After the 4-minute mark, pause the cooking. Use kitchen tongs to flip each Dino Buddy, ensuring the side that was touching the basket is now facing up. Give the entire basket a robust shake.
- Final Cook: Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes. The exact time depends on the wattage of your air fryer and the size of the nuggets.
- Check for Doneness: At the 8-minute mark, check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. They are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). The exterior should be deeply golden brown and audibly crisp.
- Rest and Season: Immediately transfer the crispy Dino Buddies to a plate lined with a paper towel (this draws off any residual oil). If seasoning, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper now, while they are piping hot.
- Serve: Transfer to a clean serving platter with your favourite dipping sauces, like Ranch or Sriracha Mayo.