Most fast-food chicken nuggets are deep-fried to get their signature crispy coating, and McDonald’s nuggets are no exception. According to McDonald’s, their golden nuggets are battered and lightly fried before being frozen and shipped to their restaurants. There, they are fried again before being served to customers. Eating fried foods has been linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity (via Healthline). Fried foods absorb oil while cooking, which means they tend to be high in calories and harmful fats. According to Livestrong, McDonald’s chicken nuggets are 57% fat (via Livestrong). If you’re trying to cut down on unhealthy fats in your diet, you should stay away from this menu item.
That all being said, McDonald’s chicken nuggets aren’t the worst option on their menu and can be enjoyed in moderation. According to Eat This, Not That!, they contain a decent amount of protein and aren’t horrible for you if you enjoy them without an added sauce, which can pack a lot of sodium and sugar.