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 that is battered and air-fried to a golden crispy texture. Eating out has reached all-time high prices, and being able to make your all-time favorite take-out items at home is priceless.
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!
Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
These air fryer copycat Chick-Fil-A nuggets are air-fried so they are a bit healthier than the original. You don’t have the excess oil but you still can enjoy the classic chicken nugget flavor.
What Is the Best Cut Of Chicken To Make Chicken Nuggets
I recommend using boneless chicken breast or tenderloin. The key is to cut your chicken up in a similar size.
The reason for that is if your chicken is all different sizes you will find you won’t get an even cook on your homemade nuggets.
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.
Will Chicken Taste Like Pickles
The longer you soak your chicken the more pickle flavor you will taste in the chicken.
Overall you will find the chicken has a mild pickle flavor. If you want it to be a bit stronger add 20-30 minutes longer to marinating chicken.
How To Make
- 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
You can have your nuggets plain or opt to pair them with one or more dips! Sometimes I mix ranch and bbq sauce together when I dip!
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
As you can see the sky’s the limit as to what you serve with your nuggets.
Can I Double This Recipe
Yes, you sure can! Make as many nuggets as you would like. Just batch cook your chicken nuggets. The key to air frying is to ensure that the hot air can circulate around the chicken.
If your chicken touches the pieces that touch will be undercooked possibly and soggy. So don’t overstuff the air fryer.
To keep your nuggets warm you can turn the oven to 200-225 degrees and place cooked nuggets in a baking dish to stay warm. That way when you serve up your nuggets they are all nice and warm.
How to Reheat Leftover Nuggets
Eat your nuggets cold or reheat them in the microwave or oven. Or toss it in the air fryer for a quick reheat. These chicken nuggets are best when served fresh and warm. But they don’t taste too bad reheated.
So if you are a fan of the nuggets like me, make this copycat Chick Fil A recipe today!
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
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. 🙂