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Air Fryer Banquet Chicken Nuggets with Mac & Cheese
Cooking Banquet Chicken Nuggets with Mac & Cheese in the air fryer ensures crispy, golden-brown nuggets while keeping the mac and cheese warm and creamy. This method provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal without using an oven or microwave.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets without deep frying
Creamy, evenly heated mac and cheese
No oven or microwave required—just a quick and easy air fryer method
Perfect for a quick meal or snack
Ingredients
1 Banquet Chicken Nuggets with Mac & Cheese Meal (frozen)
Cooking spray or parchment liner (to prevent sticking)
Optional Add-Ons & Extras:
Extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier mac & cheese
Hot sauce or Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
Ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping nuggets
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy mac & cheese topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken nuggets cook evenly and get crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Meal
Remove the meal from the box and plastic film, keeping the food inside its tray.
Separate the chicken nuggets from the mac & cheese to ensure even cooking. Place the nuggets directly in the air fryer basket.
Cover the mac & cheese with foil to prevent it from overcooking or drying out.
Step 3: Air Fry the Nuggets & Mac & Cheese
Chicken Nuggets Only: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Mac & Cheese: After 6 minutes of cooking, place the mac & cheese in the air fryer on a small air fryer-safe dish and continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes until fully heated.
Cheesy Upgrade: In the last 2 minutes, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the mac & cheese for a gooey finish.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Carefully remove the chicken nuggets and mac & cheese from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before eating.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or hot sauce.
How to Serve This Chicken Nuggets & Mac & Cheese Meal
Classic Comfort Meal: Serve with extra cheese and a side of steamed veggies.
Spicy Upgrade: Drizzle with Buffalo sauce or sriracha.
Crunchy Mac & Cheese: Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Shake the nuggets halfway through cooking for even crisping.
Cover the mac & cheese with foil to prevent drying out.
For an extra crispy texture, spray the nuggets with a little extra cooking spray before air frying.
Want extra flavor? Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper before air frying.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on Package Data)
Calories: 400
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 970mg
Fiber: 2g
Crispy Banquet Chicken Nuggets and creamy Mac & Cheese made in the air fryer! No microwave needed—just a crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly air-fried meal in minutes.
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