Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer Recipe

This crispy, juicy Trader Joes Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer recipe is made with fresh breaded chicken and ready in just 15 minutes. The circulating heat transforms the raw corn flour coating into a golden shell that shatters when you bite it. I rely on this method for a quick, protein-packed lunch that tastes far better than the oven version.

The Secret To Getting It Right

I used to bake these nuggets, but they often came out pale and slightly soggy on the bottom because the oven heat wasn’t direct enough. The air fryer completely changed that by circulating hot air around the entire nugget, sealing the juices inside instantly.

I learned that spraying a tiny bit of oil on the raw coating makes a huge difference in the final color. It turns them from a dull beige to a beautiful golden brown that looks exactly like a restaurant meal without the excess grease.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz) Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons dipping sauce (honey mustard, BBQ, or Magnifisauce)

How To Make Trader Joes Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for 3 minutes to ensure the basket is hot.
2. Arrange Nuggets: Place the nuggets in a single layer in the basket, leaving small spaces between each piece for maximum airflow.
3. Cook Chicken: Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, pausing to flip the nuggets over halfway through the cooking time.
4. Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer before removing them from the basket.

Recipe Tips

• Check the raw status: These specific nuggets from the refrigerated section are raw, not pre-cooked, so ensuring they reach safe internal temperature is vital.
• Don’t overcrowd: Touching nuggets will result in soggy spots where the breading steams instead of crisps, so cook in two batches if necessary.
• Spray for color: Since the gluten-free breading is made with corn and rice flour, it doesn’t brown as easily as wheat, so a quick oil mist helps significantly.

What To Serve With Nuggets

Serve these with Trader Joe’s Magnifisauce for that classic fast-food experience right at home. They also pair perfectly with sweet potato fries or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the fried texture with something fresh.

How To Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore the crunch, as the microwave will make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I cook these from frozen?
Yes, if you froze the fresh pack, add 3 to 5 minutes to the cooking time. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F before serving.

Is the coating heavy?
No, the corn and rice flour coating is actually lighter and crunchier than traditional wheat batter. It provides a great texture without feeling heavy or doughy.

Do I need to flip them?
Flipping ensures even browning on both sides. If you skip this step, the bottom might remain slightly softer than the top.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 16g
• Protein: 20g