15 Minute Toaster Oven Chicken Nuggets – An Ideal Snack

Chicken nuggets are a popular convenience food found in most freezers. The toaster oven can be a great alternative when you’re craving that crispy, golden exterior but don’t want to turn on the full-size oven. These small appliances are convenient, energy-efficient, and heat up quickly.

While most people choose to pan-fry or bake chicken nuggets, using a toaster oven is an outside-the-box idea that works quite well. This easy homemade chicken nuggets recipe requires 7 ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to make!

Follow these simple instructions to make chicken nuggets quickly and easily using only your toaster oven. You’ll have hot, delicious nuggets in minutes with minimal cleanup required. It’s so fast and convenient that you may never go back to the traditional preparation methods again.

Why Should You Choose This Process?

Faster cooking time

Toaster ovens preheat quickly in just a few minutes, far faster than a full-size oven. That means you can cook frozen chicken nuggets in a toaster oven in around half the time.

Small batch convenience

Chicken nuggets cook more evenly in a smaller toaster oven than a large oven designed for bigger batches. You can perfectly cook just the small serving you need.

Crispy results

The direct exposure to heating elements browns and crisps the outside breading nicely. The confined space also retains more heat to crisp up the nugget exterior.

Ease of turning

The compact interior makes it easier to turn over and move around smaller foods with tongs to expose all sides to heat. No struggling with bulky trays.

Energy efficient

Toaster ovens use significantly less electricity to operate than large ovens, saving energy when you just need to cook a quick small meal.

Quick cleanup

With spatter and stuck-on food only happening in a small interior, cleanup is quicker and easier than cleaning a large oven after use.

Essential Equipment

Here are the equipment needed to make chicken nuggets in a toaster oven:

Toaster Oven

This is the most essential item. Any size toaster oven will work, but a medium-sized one with an internal capacity of around 6 slices would be ideal for cooking a serving of chicken nuggets. You’ll want one with temperature controls and a timer or auto shut-off feature.

Baking Sheet or Pan

A small rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan is needed to place the nuggets on for cooking in the toaster oven. The best option is a light-colored metal pan that will evenly conduct and distribute the heat.

Cooking Spray or Oil

It’s important to lightly grease the baking sheet or pan first so the breaded nuggets don’t stick while cooking. Any neutral oil or non-stick spray like PAM works well for this.

Tongs

Heat-resistant tongs make it safer and easier to turn and move the nuggets around during the cooking process inside the confined hot oven. Metal tongs with long handles that can grip well are recommended.

Oven Mitts

You’ll need something to safely handle the hot pan when removing it after cooking. Oven mitts, pot holders, folded towels, or silicone grippers would all protect hands from burns.

Cooling Rack (Optional)

A wire rack allows airflow under freshly cooked nuggets to keep them crisp after removing them from the hot pan. This item is not essential but helps preserve that crispy texture.

Ingredients Required for Making Toaster Oven Chicken Nuggets

The ingredients required for making chicken nuggets in a toaster oven are:

Chicken breasts or tenders

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders provide lean protein. Cut breasts into 1 inch pieces if not already small.

Eggs

Eggs are needed to coat the chicken pieces before the outer breading. Plan for 2-3 large eggs per 1 lb of chicken.

Breadcrumbs

Either panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers serve as the crispy outer breading layer. You’ll need about 1-1.5 cups total.

All-purpose Flour

2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour helps the egg coating stick to the chicken before dipping into the breadcrumbs.

Spices & Seasonings

1-2 teaspoons each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder. Customize to taste preferences.

Milk

A few tablespoons to thin out the eggs slightly for better consistency to dip the chicken pieces.

Oil for frying

1-3 tablespoons vegetable, canola, or avocado oil lightly brushed on the breaded nuggets before cooking to make them crispy.

How to Cook Chicken Nuggets in Toaster Oven

Here are instructions for cooking chicken nuggets in a toaster oven:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

If using chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you want.

Step 2: Set up the breading station

In three separate shallow dishes, place flour, beaten eggs with 1-2 tbsp milk added, and breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Bread the nuggets

Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Arrange nuggets

Line a small baking pan with foil and lightly grease with oil or non-stick spray. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, not overcrowded. Brush tops lightly with oil.

Step 5: Toast nuggets

Place the baking pan in the preheated toaster oven, centered on the rack. Toast at 425°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Remove nuggets when the outer coating is crispy and golden brown. Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving warm with desired sauces.

Time Needed to Cook Chicken Nuggets in Toaster Oven

Cooking times for nuggets in a toaster oven vary based on size, thickness, and temperature preferences. Most recipes state 8-16 minutes total at 350°F to 450° F. Works well. A general rule is 6-8 minutes per side at 425°F for average frozen nuggets.

Smaller or homemade oven-baked nuggets may cook faster under 12 minutes total. Larger breadcrumb kinds or chicken tender shapes need around 12 minutes per side. Check frequently, and adjust time as needed until exterior breading is crisp and golden brown.

What You Should Serve with Chicken Nuggets in Toaster Oven

Fries or Tots

For an easy, classic pairing, cook up frozen french fries or tater tots in the toaster oven alongside the nuggets. Crispy, hot fries complement the nuggets perfectly.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a sweeter dipping sauce that counters the saltiness of chicken nuggets delightfully. Offer as a dip with the nugget meal.

Ranch Dressing

Cool, creamy ranch makes another excellent dipping companion to chicken nuggets straight from the toaster oven. It’s a tasty combination.

Coleslaw

For a lighter option, freshly shredded coleslaw adds a bright, crisp note of cabbage, carrots, vinegar, and tangy creaminess.

Sweet Potato Fries

Change up plain fries with seasoned oven-baked sweet potato fries. The hint of cinnamon pairs tastily with chicken.

Mac & Cheese

What kid wouldn’t love biting into a crispy, hot nugget next to a spoonful of cheesy macaroni and cheese? Comfort food magic.

Pro Tips for Cooking Chicken Nuggets in Toaster Oven

• Use Tongs: Use tongs and oven mitts for safe handling of hot trays. Don’t skip safety gear!
• Brown Evenly: Rotate the pan and flip the nuggets halfway for even browning all over.
• Brush Nuggets: Brush nuggets lightly with oil or non-stick spray so the breading gets ultra crispy.
• Bake at a High Temperature: Bake homemade nuggets at a high temp (425°F) to make the coating extra crispy.
• Double up Baking Sheets: Double up baking sheets to prevent bottom burn if your toaster oven runs hot.
• Leave Space around Nuggets: Leave a little space around the nuggets for air circulation and crisping on all sides.
• Use a Baking Rack: Use a baking rack when done for airflow to keep the crust from getting soggy.
• Toss Nuggets in Cornstarch: Toss the breaded nuggets in a bit of cornstarch before cooking for extra crispy results.

Pros and Cons of Cooking in a Toaster Oven

Pros

• Small Size: Good for cooking small meals or side dishes. Takes up less counter space.
• Energy Efficient: Uses less electricity than a full-size oven. Heats up faster too.
• Even Heating: Food tends to cook more evenly because heating elements are on top and bottom.
• Portability: Easy to move around and store in a cabinet or on a shelf when not in use.
• Quick Preheating: Typically preheats in just a few minutes, faster than a standard oven.

Cons

• Small Capacity: Not suitable for cooking large dishes or batches. Limited to small foods.
• Can Dry out Foods: Direct exposure to heating elements may cause some foods to dry out.
• Temperature Variability: The set temperature is not always accurate or consistent throughout.
• Timer Difficulties: No auto shut-off on some models makes it easy to overcook food if you lose track of time.
• Safety Issues: Touching hot exterior surfaces can be a burn risk without caution.
• Cleaning: Crumbs and spills collect in awkward spots in harder-to-clean toaster ovens.

FAQs about Chicken Nuggets in Toaster Oven