Craving Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs but want a homemade twist? Try this copycat recipe! These tender, juicy chicken nuggets are coated in a flavorful, tangy sauce just like Wendy’s, bringing all the classic flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or anytime cravings!

Close-up of homemade copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs on a plate.
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If you love everything Wendy’s, this copycat recipe for their new Saucy Nuggs, are perfect in the air fryer!

Serve with Ninja Creami Wendy’s Frosty (Copycat), Air Fryer Wendy’s Copycat French Fries Recipe, Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich for a complete meal!

Crispy chicken nuggets coated in tangy sauce on white plate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy outside, just like Wendy’s nuggets.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes, these nuggets make for a convenient, homemade snack.
  • Saucy Goodness: Coated in a delicious sauce, they taste like a true fast-food favorite.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sauce and spice level to make them exactly how you like.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe on kitchen counter.
  • Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, perfect for making juicy nuggets.
  • Flour: Helps create a light, crispy coating when combined with seasonings.
  • Sauce of Choice: Tossed in your favorite sauce, whether spicy, sweet, or tangy, for a true Wendy’s flavor experience.

How To Make Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces, and place into a large glass bowl.

Step One: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces.

Toss the chicken bites with flour, Kosher salt and black pepper, tossing with tongs, to fully cover the chicken pieces.

Step Two: Toss the chicken bites with flour, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Coating each chicken piece.

Place the chicken in a single layer, spraying them with cooking spray.

Step Three: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C), for 3-5 minutes. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, in the air fryer basket, or air fryer tray, set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden. For extra crispy flavor, spray the coated chicken nuggets with cooking spray.

Step Five: Toss nuggets in your choice of sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard.

Cooked Chicken Nuggets In air fryer basket.

Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe Tips

  • Even Coating: For a crispy texture, ensure each nugget is thoroughly coated with flour.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating helps the nuggets cook evenly and get that golden crust.
  • Single Layer Cooking: Arrange nuggets in a single layer to allow airflow; this makes them crispier.
  • Flip Midway: Turn nuggets halfway through for uniform browning on both sides.
  • Sauce Right Before Serving: Toss in sauce last to keep the nuggets crispy.
Coating the cooking chicken nuggets with sauce.

Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen nuggets? Yes! Simply cook the nuggets as per the package instructions, then coat them with the sauce for a quick shortcut.

What’s the best sauce to use? Use a tangy barbecue or sweet and spicy sauce to match the flavors of Wendy’s original, but feel free to get creative with sauces.

Can I make these in the oven instead? Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

How to reheat saucy nuggets in the air fryer To reheat saucy nuggets in the air fryer, cook them at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Crispy air fryer Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs with dipping sauce

More Copycat Wendy Recipes

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Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe

Copycat Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Recipe

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Craving Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs but want a homemade twist? Try this copycat recipe! These tender, juicy chicken nuggets are coated in a flavorful, tangy sauce just like Wendy’s, bringing all the classic flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or anytime cravings!

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

  • Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces.
  • Toss the chicken bites with flour, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Coating each chicken piece.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C), for 3-5 minutes. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, in the air fryer basket, or air fryer tray, set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden. For extra crispy flavor, spray the coated chicken nuggets with cooking spray.
  • Toss nuggets in your choice of sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 627mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

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