Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken

These Air Fryer ChickFilA Chicken Nuggets bring the irresistible flavor of your favorite fast food nuggets right into your kitchen without frying in oil. They come together quickly, are tender and juicy inside with a crisp outside, and offer a healthier alternative using the air fryer. Perfect for a familyfriendly meal or a tasty snack that everyone will love.

I first made these when craving ChickFilA but wanted something lighter. My kids immediately asked for seconds and I loved how easy cleanup was compared to frying.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: the main protein, choose fresh breasts for tender pieces
• Buttermilk: essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding tang, real buttermilk works best but you can make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice
• Egg: helps bind the wet coating to the chicken
• Dill pickle juice: a secret flavor booster that adds that signature ChickFilA twist
• Allpurpose flour: forms the crisp coating, make sure it is fresh for best results
• Powdered sugar: adds a slight sweetness helping balance flavors
• Cornstarch: contributes to crisp texture
• Salt and pepper: basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors
• Olive oil spray: to help the nuggets get golden and crispy in the air fryer without sticking

Instructions

Slicing the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into bitesized pieces about the size of nuggets and set them aside. This ensures even cooking and perfect nugget portion size.

Making the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and dill pickle juice until smooth. This mixture tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Marinating the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best results, marinate overnight to maximize tenderness and flavor.

Preparing the Flour Mixture:

Into a large resealable bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake to blend all dry ingredients evenly. This dry mix will create the crispy coating.

Coating the Chicken:

Working in smaller batches, place chicken pieces into the bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake until each piece is heavily coated. This technique ensures even coverage without mess.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Starting with a hot basket helps seal in juices and promotes a crispy crust.

Spraying the Basket:

Spray the air fryer basket generously with olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and helps achieve an even golden color on the nuggets.

Arranging the Nuggets:

Place coated chicken nuggets into the basket spaced apart so they do not touch, allowing air to circulate freely for crispiness. Spray the top of the nuggets thoroughly with olive oil spray.

Cooking the Nuggets:

Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. Spray again with olive oil when flipped to promote even crisping. Cook until an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached.

Repeating the Process:

Remove cooked nuggets and keep warm. Repeat the coating and cooking steps with remaining chicken in batches.

I love how the pickle juice adds that unique tang to these nuggets that sets them apart from regular chicken bites. One of my favorite memories with this recipe was making them for my kids after school and seeing their surprise when they realized the nuggets were air fried and still tasted amazing.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend to bring back crispiness by cooking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk, combine one cup of whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using. You can swap olive oil spray for coconut oil spray which also sprays well and helps with browning. For an egg allergy, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water) as a binder.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets are wonderful dipped in ChickFilA sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Serve them up with waffle fries, a crisp salad, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. They also make excellent finger food for parties and game days.

These air fryer ChickFilA style nuggets are crispy and tender, perfect for weeknight meals or snacks. Give them time to marinate and avoid crowding the basket for the best results.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating crisps up properly.

→ Why use olive oil spray on the chicken?

Spraying with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy texture similar to frying without excess oil.

→ Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If unavailable, add vinegar or lemon juice to milk for a substitute.

→ Can I use different sauces for serving?

Yes, try ranch, honey mustard, or the original Chick-Fil-A sauce for dipping.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or after about 8 minutes in the air fryer.

→ Can these be baked instead of air fried?

Yes, baking at 400°F with butter can work, but coating with bread crumbs or crackers may improve crispiness.