Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Who doesn’t love the crispy, juicy perfection of Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets? Now, you can skip the drive-thru and recreate these fan-favorites at home with your air fryer! This recipe brings you all the flavor and crunch of the original, but with a homemade twist that’s healthier and just as satisfying.
Air fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
What makes these nuggets so special? It’s the signature combination of tender chicken marinated in dill pickle juice and milk, seasoned to perfection, and air-fried until golden brown. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or family snacks.
Whether you’re a die-hard Chick-fil-A fan or just looking for a new air fryer recipe, these nuggets will become a household favorite. Ready to dive into crispy chicken bliss? Let’s get started!
Chick Fil A nuggets are a weakness! The Chick-fil-A sauce is magical as well. I had to find a great copycat recipe for Chick Fil A nugget to feed my obsession!
Chick-fil-A is a popular American fast-food restaurant chain known for its chicken-based menu items and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy in Hapeville, Georgia, the chain specializes in hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries, and breakfast offerings. Chick-fil-A is also recognized for its signature sauces, including the fan-favorite Chick-fil-A Sauce.
A few key things that set Chick-fil-A apart:
- Quality Ingredients: Their chicken is made from whole breast meat, hand-breaded daily.
- Closed on Sundays: In keeping with the founder’s values, all Chick-fil-A locations are closed on Sundays to allow employees to rest and spend time with their families.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Known for courteous staff and clean establishments, it’s a favorite for families.
- Signature Flavors: Their unique flavors, like the slight sweetness in the chicken breading and tangy pickles on sandwiches, make their offerings distinctive.
With over 2,800 locations in the U.S. and a few internationally, Chick-fil-A is a go-to destination for quick, tasty meals, especially for chicken lovers!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy: These nuggets are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the air fryer.
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying means less oil without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike—pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Making these nuggets at home saves money and keeps your pantry stocked with essentials.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes (minus marinating time), this recipe is as convenient as it is tasty.
What Pickle Juice to Marinade Chicken In
You want to use a dill pickle. It will give you that classic flavor that sets Chick Fil A apart from the rest. You will find that dill juice is best.
I wouldn’t recommend using sweet pickle juice as it could change the flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into 1-2” cubes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2-gallon size Ziploc bags
How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
- Add the dill pickle juice and chicken to a gallon size Ziploc bag. Seal and place in the fridge overnight.
- Add milk and egg to a small bowl. Whisk together.
- Drain chicken from pickle juice and add to milk and egg mixture. Coat well.
- Add flour, confectioner’s sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika to a Ziploc bag. Add chicken to bag and shake well to coat.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer to 375 for 2 minutes. Dip chicken into melted butter and spread evenly into Air Fryer. Cook for 5 minutes. I added this step to brown the chicken more. You can leave this step out and not lose any delicious flavor.
- Add the chicken pieces to your air fryer.
- After 5 minutes, turn the chicken over and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked all the way through.
What To Dip Chick Fil A Nuggets In
- Make homemade Chick Fil A Sauce
- Bbq sauce
- Ranch
- Honey mustard
- Etc
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate Overnight: For the juiciest, most flavorful nuggets, let the chicken soak in dill pickle juice overnight.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: The confectioner’s sugar in the breading adds a hint of sweetness, mimicking Chick-fil-A’s unique flavor.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that signature crispy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Serve Fresh: These nuggets are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer while they’re hot and crispy.
Best Sides to Pair With Chick Fil A Nugget
- French Fries
- Tater tots
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta salad
- Cucumber and onions
- Baked beans
- Chips
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate Overnight: For the juiciest, most flavorful nuggets, let the chicken soak in dill pickle juice overnight.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: The confectioner’s sugar in the breading adds a hint of sweetness, mimicking Chick-fil-A’s unique flavor.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that signature crispy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Serve Fresh: These nuggets are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer while they’re hot and crispy.
FAQ’s
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the nuggets even juicier. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.
Q: Can I freeze the nuggets?
A: Yes! After cooking and cooling, place the nuggets in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q: Do I have to use melted butter?
A: The butter adds richness and helps with browning, but you can skip it if you prefer a slightly lighter version.
Air fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate way to get your chicken fix at home. Pickle soaked chicken nuggets that are battered and air fried to golden crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into 1-2” cubes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2-gallon size Ziploc bags
Instructions
- Add the dill pickle juice and chicken to a gallon size Ziploc bag. Seal and place in the fridge overnight.
- Add milk and egg to a small bowl. Whisk together.
- Drain chicken from pickle juice and add to milk and egg mixture. Coat well.
- Add flour, confectioner’s sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika to a Ziploc bag. Add chicken to bag and shake well to coat.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer to 375 for 2 minutes. Dip chicken into melted butter and spread evenly into Air Fryer. Cook for 5 minutes. I added this step to brown the chicken more. You can leave this step out and not lose any delicious flavor.
- Add the chicken pieces to your air fryer.
- After 5 minutes, turn the chicken over and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked all the way through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 2184mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 29g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Good morning.
Can the Chicken Breasts ALSO be Air Fired? Husband is limited on fat frying. thanks Melissa.
Absolutely, just keep an thermometer close by to check the internal temp so you know when it’s done. 🙂