Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Nuggets give you the perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, just like the ones from the restaurant. The tangy pickle juice marinade enhances the flavor of the chicken, while the crispy coating made from a combination of flour and seasonings ensures the perfect crunch. Using an air fryer makes these nuggets a healthier option, with less oil but all the delicious flavor.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is an easy way to satisfy cravings for a fast food favorite. Best of all, you can enjoy these golden nuggets in just under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dill pickle juice

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces about 1 inch in size

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1½ cups flour

• 1½ teaspoons pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Olive oil spritz

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Add the chicken chunks to the pickle juice and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together and set aside.

3. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika), stirring to mix them together.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.

5. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, drain it, and dip each piece into the dry mixture, then into the liquid mixture, and back into the dry mixture to coat thoroughly. Shake off any excess.

6. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping the nuggets halfway through and spritzing with olive oil at the halfway mark.

7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 8 minutes

• Total time: 23 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these crispy nuggets.

• Crispy Coating: For an extra crunchy coating, double dip the chicken by repeating the egg and flour steps before air frying.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the nuggets in the air fryer at 370°F for 3–5 minutes to regain their crispiness.

FAQs

How do I get the chicken nuggets extra crispy?

For a crispier texture, double dip the chicken pieces and spritz them with a little more olive oil before cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it first. Frozen chicken tends to have more moisture, which can affect the coating.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating for a few hours will enhance the flavor even further.

Can I make these nuggets in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the texture may be slightly different from using an air fryer.

What dipping sauces go best with these nuggets?

These nuggets are delicious with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful nugget, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

You can prepare the nuggets and freeze them before cooking. Simply freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How can I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure to coat the chicken pieces well in the dry mixture, and shake off any excess flour before dipping them in the egg mixture. Also, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper cooking.

Can I use other types of pickles for the marinade?

Dill pickle juice is essential to achieve the signature flavor, but you can try experimenting with other pickles, such as bread-and-butter pickles, for a slightly different taste.

How do I know when the nuggets are done cooking?

The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy when done. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for fully cooked chicken.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Nuggets recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite fast food meal at home with less oil and effort. With a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful chicken, these homemade nuggets are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're serving them as a snack, for lunch, or a quick dinner, this recipe will leave you craving more. Enjoy the satisfying taste of Chick-fil-A right in your kitchen!

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Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets

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This Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Nuggets recipe offers a healthier version of the beloved fast food classic. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor, these homemade nuggets mimic the famous taste of Chick-fil-A, but without the need for deep frying.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 cup dill pickle juice

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces about 1 inch in size

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 egg

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons salt

1½ cups flour

1½ teaspoons pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

Olive oil spritz

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Instructions

1. Add the chicken chunks to the pickle juice and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together and set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika), stirring to mix them together.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
5. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, drain it, and dip each piece into the dry mixture, then into the liquid mixture, and back into the dry mixture to coat thoroughly. Shake off any excess.
6. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping the nuggets halfway through and spritzing with olive oil at the halfway mark.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken pieces and spritz with a little more olive oil before cooking.
• For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour.
• To reheat, place the nuggets in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (4-5 nuggets)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg