Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Craving those crispy, golden Chick-fil-A nuggets but want to skip the drive-thru? You’re in for a treat with this air fryer (or Ninja Foodi) copycat version. These nuggets are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and get that signature crunch using pantry staples and a few easy steps. They’re so good, your family might think you picked them up straight from the restaurant!
Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
This recipe starts by marinating the chicken in pickle juice overnight to give it that classic flavor we all know and love. Then it’s coated in a slightly sweet, perfectly seasoned flour mixture and air fried to crispy perfection. You can serve these with your favorite dipping sauces or pair them with sides like [homemade waffle fries], [air fryer mac and cheese bites], or even [copycat coleslaw] to complete the fast-food-at-home experience.
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it’s made without deep frying—no messy oil or splatter to deal with. Whether you’re making it in a Ninja Foodi or your favorite air fryer model, this easy copycat recipe is a keeper. Serve it up for game day snacks, quick lunches, or a fun weeknight dinner.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
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Tastes just like Chick-fil-A, but made right at home
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No deep frying needed, thanks to the air fryer or Ninja Foodi
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Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside
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Family friendly and freezer friendly
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Perfect for meal prep or party appetizers
Tips & Tricks
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Don’t skip the pickle juice marinade—it’s the secret to that signature flavor.
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Let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
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Use a thermometer if needed to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F.
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If you want extra crispy nuggets, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying.
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These reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 to 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these without marinating overnight?
You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Even a few hours in the pickle juice will help, but overnight is best.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces.
Do I have to use the butter step?
Nope! The melted butter adds a little extra browning and flavor, but if you skip it, the nuggets will still be crispy and delicious.
Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi Copy
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
Step 1: Add the dill pickle juice and chicken cubes to a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Seal and refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
Step 3: Drain the chicken from the pickle juice and transfer it to the milk and egg mixture. Coat well.
Step 4: In a separate gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine the flour, confectioner’s sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Add the chicken pieces to the flour mixture in the bag. Seal and shake until well coated.
Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 2 minutes.
Step 7: Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter (optional for extra browning).
Step 8: Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 9: Cook at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Step 10: Turn the chicken pieces over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F).
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 2186mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 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!
