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    Home ≫ Air Fryer

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Chick-fil-A copycat)

    Updated May 5, 2022. Originally Posted May 5, 2022 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    an image with text overlay for pinterst
    cutting chicken into pieces
    chicken nuggets on a plate with ketchup
    cooking food in an air fryer
    add food to air fryer
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    These crispy air fryer chicken nuggets recipe will curb your fast food cravings without all the extra oil. This healthier option is made with skinless chicken breast meat and a unique ingredient - pickle juice! You'll love this quick dinner inspired by Chick-fil-A with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of sweet potato fries.

    chicken nuggets on a plate with ketchup

    Why you'll love it

    Easy dinner - the air fryer makes dinner a snap because it's faster than baking. It's a great option for those busy weeknights when you have a lot going on.

    Healthier - you could opt to pick up some McDonald's chicken nuggets, but why would you when you can serve a homemade version made with real ingredients that is cooked in hot air instead of oil.

    Family friendly - kids love finger foods and they will love these crispy air fryer chicken nuggets with some my buttermilk ranch dressing, honey mustard sauce, or other favorite sauces.

    Chick-fil-A copycat - if you love a Chick-fil-A like I do, then you'll love this copycat recipes. It's a favorite that kids and adults love!

    Love the air fry method? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Wings!

    Key ingredients

    Boneless chicken breasts - cut into pieces. Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer, adjusting cooking time if necessary.

    Milk - regular milk is part of the marinade that is needed as a tenderizer for the meat.

    Dill pickle juice, honey and yellow mustard - these are the special ingredients that give these nuggets that Chick-fil-A inspired taste.

    Breadcrumbs - regular, dry breadcrumbs. Use panko breadcrumbs if you prefer.

    Salt and black pepper - you can add addition seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder. Just a bit will do - about ¼ teaspoon.

    labeled ingredients for the recipe

    Instructions

    Step One: In a medium bowl, add the milk, pickle juice, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper. 

    Step Two: Cut the breast in pieces, I like to use my kitchen scissor for that, but you can also use a knife, just be sure you have one inch chunks of chicken breasts. Add the chicken to the milk and pickle juice mixture. Place in the fridge for at least one hour.

    a bowl of marinade
    cutting chicken into pieces

    Step Three: Preheat air fryer to 380 F. Prepare a plate with breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. You can lightly dab them with a paper towel, but you'll need some moisture so the breadcrumbs stick.

    Dip the chicken pieces in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated.

    coating chicken in breadcrumbs

    Step Four: Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of nonstick cooking spray and spray the chicken nuggets as well. Place them in the basket in an even layer doing your best to leave a little space between. You may need to cook in bathces.

    Step Five: Cook at 380˚F for 5 minutes. Turn the chicken over and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the inside of the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

    add food to air fryer
    cooking food in an air fryer

    Top tips

    Be sure you're familiar with how your brand air fryer works.

    Be sure to place chicken in a single layer for best results.

    Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F.

    You can marinate the chicken in just pickle juice if you are avoiding dairy and sugar!

    No air fryer? Try baking them in a preheated at 400 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes flipping them over at the halfway point.

    Storage and reheating

    Store leftover chicken nuggets in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freeze in an airtight container (freezer safe) for up the three months.

    Reheat in the microwave until hot. Or place them on a baking sheet in the oven or in the air fryer at 350 F until heated through, about 6 minutes. If frozen, add a few more minutes.

    What goes good with air fryer chicken nuggets?

    Nuggies and french fries are the perfect combination. Try my waffle fry recipe or these other great ideas:

    • Air Fryer Baked Potato
    • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
    • Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Hot Honey Sauce

    Try my No Bake Chocolate Pie for dessert!

    Common questions

    Are chicken nuggets healthy?

    These homemade air fried nuggets are full of protein and low in fat and calories. Most store bought and fast food nuggets are processed with lots of unnecessary ingredients and deep fried, making them an unwise choice.

    Who invented nuggets?

    A food scientist at Cornell University named Robert C. Baker invented the addicting and popular food.

    More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

    • Corn on the Cob
    • Waffle Fries
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Whole Chicken
    • Frozen Biscuits
    • Bang Bang Cauliflower
    • Turkey Meatballs
    • Frozen Chicken Wings

    CLICK HERE to have recipes delivered via email!

    a plate of chicken nuggets

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    Delicious chicken nuggets with a crispy exterior that tastes like they were fried, but they're made in the air fryer!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    marinate 1 hr
    Course Dinner, Main Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 345 kcal

    Equipment

    Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks about 1.5 pounds
    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup dill pickle juice
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
    • 1 cup breadcrumb
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • Cooking spray
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, add the milk, pickles juice, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper.
    • Cut the kitchen breast in pieces, I like to use my kitchen scissor for that, but you can also use a knife.
    • Add the chicken to the milk and pickles juice mixture.
    • Place in the fridge for 1 hour or more,
    • Prepare a plate with breadcrumbs.
    • Dip the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb until they are evenly coated.
    • Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray.
    • Place the chicken pieces in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 380 ˚F for 5 minutes. Turn the chicken over and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the inside of the chicken flesh has lost its pink color.

    Notes

    Be sure to cook chicken well done to 165 internal temperature.
    You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
    This recipe is inspired by Chick-fil-A by adding the pickle juice and the honey in the marinade.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 41gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 1446mgPotassium: 739mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword 20 minute meal, air fryer, kid friendly, snacks
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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