If you are looking for a great recipe that will teach you how to make air fryer chicken nuggets. Then this Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe is one of the best copycat recipes you will find.
My chick fil a chicken recipe is like the chick fil a chicken nuggets recipe the that everyone loves.
I was craving nuggets one night and not just any chicken nuggets, I wanted the Chick Fil A nugget recipe.
To curb my craving I decided to make these Copycat Air Fryer Chick fil A Chicken Nuggets. These air fryer nuggets are nothing like fast food.
I think they may honestly be better than at Chick Fil A.
And I love chick fil a's nuggets. I would have never thought that I could air fry chicken and it turn out so amazingly delicious and super crispy too.
Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets
I remember the first time I tried Chick-Fil-A, it was a joyous day. We were out running errands and heard there was a new place in town to eat.
We stopped in and I got their nuggets, and to my surprise, I fell in love with the first bite.
Don't even get me started on their dipping sauce, that stuff is massively addictive. I dipped my fries and my chicken in it and had no regrets.
I knew my love for the Chick fil a chicken nugget was real, and I had to find out how to make them at home.
But, when I first started working on creating this copycat air fryer chick-fil-a recipe I knew it might take some practice.
As a result, I nailed it, and my kids devoured them as well.
Juicy and flavorful perfect-sized nuggets made the perfect lunch for me and the kids. I then began making these nuggets so often because my kids just begged for them.
I would rather make a bit of a healthier version as it uses a lot less oil, and let them gobble them up.
What Ingredients Do I Need For Chick Fil A Nuggets?
The great thing about this recipe is that you will have most of these ingredients right at home! And you can enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce. Plus the total time to make these beauties is about 23 minutes after marinating and that includes prep time!
You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container or a gallon size Ziploc bag and then reheat the chicken pieces when you are ready to enjoy!
- dill pickle juice
- boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- powdered sugar
- egg
- milk
- salt
- all-purpose flour
- pepper
- paprika
- Olive oil spray
Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
One thing I love about using my Air Fryer is that it uses little to no oil.
I do, however when I use breading on my air fryer fried chicken, I usually spray them pretty thoroughly before I put the chicken in the air fryer, to get that golden brown glow that you get when deep frying.
I spray 1 side at a time, then at half the cook time when I turn the chicken I spray again.
Still a healthier alternative to fried foods, without giving up that crunch factor that we all love so much.
I am always on the hunt for power air fryer oven recipes to try out, and these nuggets are a home run.
I added this air fryer chicken recipe into my recipe cards to keep on hand, whenever I get that craving for chick fil a, which is more often than not.
Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
The flavor was a point on. But, the one thing that would have certainly made it better would have been that amazing Polynesian Sauce for me to dip them in, for now, I only had honey mustard on hand, which was still great. I have yet to master this amazing chick fil a sauce, but I am going to keep trying
Certainly, It would help bring even more flavor goodness into the chicken.
But this copycat chick fil a nuggets recipe came out amazing, and was done in less than 20 minutes!
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for less oil used or to make at home cause you don't live near a Chick Fil A!
You won't be disappointed with the results of this air fryer recipe provides on the nuggets.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
These nugget-sized chicken breast pieces were so extremely tender and did I mention the flavor? Once I got full I was kind of upset that I had to stop eating them.
Who would have thought that pickle juice would make such a great marinade? The pickle juice makes them taste just like the real thing!
I didn't, but it was amazing, for lack of a more creative word. The pickle juice does a great job at keeping the flavors locked into the meat and keeping it moist as it cooks.
I actually marinate a steak after I tried this, and when I pulled it off the grill to eat, it was one of the most tender steaks we have eaten.
My family loved my Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe too, they actually asked me to make more the same night.
Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat
Can I put the frozen Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe in the air fryer?
Yes, whether you have an air fryer oven or the traditional one with a basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400 for about 5 minutes and then cool for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
Does Chick Fil A Soak Their Chicken In Pickle Juice?
Yes! Pickle juice adds amazing flavor to meats, including chicken and steak. Once you try out this recipe you will see just what I mean. Try pickle juice as a marinade for your other meats too.
I didn't make anymore, but next time I will make probably a double batch and then freeze them for the kids to reheat and eat as an after-school snack or on the weekends.
As you can see, this recipe was one that our family for sure will keep making for the future. I think using chicken tenderloins like in this Popyeys Chicken Tenders would be great for this recipe too!
Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
Not sure will ever go buy these in the restaurant again, I am so happy and proud of how well these turned out, that they will go into our regular dinner rotation.
Check out this recipe for the Chick Fil A Copycat Chicken Sandwich too.
And it would be totally easy to convert this into a lower-carb version, by switching out some of the more carby ingredients and replacing them. For instance, use parmesan cheese instead of flour.
The main complaint I have seen from my readers is that the flour mixture doesn't brown enough, make sure to shake off the excess, and if you are worried about having this issue try spritzing with a little more olive oil.
But most importantly, make sure to follow the recipe exactly. This recipe has definitely become a fast favorite fried food, of the foods that are not fried.
Your nuggets need to be in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
I am finding myself air frying any recipe I think will work. And have you tried french fries??
Copycat recipes are some of my favorite things to try at home. And if you want to make an amazing dipping sauce to go with them, then this Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is perfect!
Lastly, these Lemon Pepper Wings In The Air Fryer are so flavorful and moist and if you still need more after those
Useful for this recipe:
- Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Packet Recipe for ranch dipping sauce
Air Fryer Chick Fil a Nuggets
This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is one of the best chick fil a copycat recipe you will find. This chick fil a chicken recipe tastes just like the chick fil a chicken nuggets recipe from the restaurant, your family will be very pleased.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces about 1 inch in size
- 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups flour
- 1½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil spritz
Instructions
- Add chicken chunks to pickle juice and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Whisk milk and egg together and set aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients and stir set aside.
- Preheat air fryer to 370
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, drain and place each into the dry mixture, to the liquid mixture, and back to the dry making sure it is well coated, making sure to shake off excess.
- Cook in a single layer of chicken for 8 minutes or until golden brown, flipping, and spritzing with olive oil at the halfway mark.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
You can easily make these copycat chick fil a nuggets stove top too, just follow everything as above but then deep fry in vegetable or peanut oil.
Also, eliminate the pickle juice marinade and you have traditional air fryer chicken nuggets.
Recommended Products
This post and some photos may contain Amazon and other affiliate links, I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 256Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 74mgSodium 1526mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 1gSugar 9gProtein 22g
Sodium high becauese it is calculating the pickle juice as if you are consuming it
Nicole
Did you spritz with oil prior to putting them in the air fryer? The taste is great, but mine did not appear golden brown like yours.
Jamela Porter
Yes, I did. I must have forgotten to put that in the post, I apologize.
Mj
Omg on the sodium!
ToddSmith
Remember this is in the dry mixture. You are not using/eating 2tsp of sodium. The nutritional label is way off, using the entire amount for the value. That said, yes it is probably high in sodium, but not that high.
Kortney
What temperature did you set your air fryer to?
Jamela Porter
It's in the recipe... 370
Mary
What does the sugar do?
Claudia
My husband loved these nuggets!!! I will be making these again soon.
Jamela Porter
So glad you liked them!
Brittany
Hi! These look amazing! Curious if I could use Almond milk instead of milk? And coconut flour or arrowroot flour instead of All purpose? Let me know what you think!
Jamela Porter
I don't see why not, just not sure how you would convert the measurements to use those... Come back and let me know how it works out, and maybe I can add that as an option..
Carrie
I am making these right as I am typing this and it's been an epic fail lol.
We just got our fryer today and we were so excited to use it. I ended up making a double batch and putting them all in at once, I think that's where I went wrong. Next time I will do them in a single layer. Newbie mistake. They smell delicious and my boyfriend said they tasted good, they just look a hot mess. Haha!!
Jamela Porter
Yes, single layers. Just try again. I’m sure they will turn out great.
Shannon
Hello. I was wondering how long did you leave the chicken marinating in the pickle juice? I can’t seem to pull up the instructions today. Thank you for the brilliant breakdown of this recipe!
Jamela Porter
The recipe says 30 mins.
Julie Maples
I have searched this whole post for the actual recipe. Something must be up with my browser. Can someone help me out lol I have 4 boys who would die for these lol
Jamela Porter
The recipe is at the bottom of the post.
Julie Maples
unfortunately mine isnt showing it. it just says #ingredient#
Jamela Porter
I would try restarting your browser, it’s there. I just checked. There should be a recipe under ingredients.
Julie Maples
Oh well. After trying 3 browsers and 2 devices, I give up.
Jessica
I am having the same issue. A week ago I could see it and now it just says #ingredents#
Jamela Porter
I have no clue what was going on, but I have it fixed, I apologize for the inconvenience.
mbayes12
Same here. I think there may be a problem with some of the javascript on this site being hosted at an untrusted source which likely means whatever code is used to generate the recipe card isn't loading causing it to show the defaults. I come to this conclusion because when I open the developer tools (F12) and view the javascript console I see a number of files being blocked by client and an SSL warning talking about M70 is a distrusted source.
mbayes12
I take that back. I can see some of the other recipes on here. While the console shows the same errors, they do appear to load. For some reason I can't see this recipe though. I have a fairly good idea of the ingredients
mbayes12
Got it to work when putting the url into the wayback machine to view the text mostly as it was when originally posted. Don't know if links will work, but the link to view it at that point in time is https://web.archive.org/web/20170622133512/https://by-pink.com/copycat-air-fryer-chick-fil-a-nuggets/
Julie Maples
Thank you!!!
A.P.
Instructions:
1-Add chicken chunks to pickle juice and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2-Whisk milk and egg together and set aside.
3-Combine the dry ingredients and stir set aside.
4-Preheat air fryer to 370
5-Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, drain and place each into the dry mixture, to the liquid mixture, and back to the dry making sure it is well coated, making sure to shake off excess.
6-Cook in a single layer of chicken for 8 minutes or until golden brown, flipping, and spritzing with olive oil at the halfway mark.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes:
You can easily make these copycat chick fil a nuggets stove top too, just follow everything as above but then deep fry in vegetable or peanut oil.
Also, eliminate the pickle juice marinade and you have traditional air fryer chicken nuggets.
😊👍🏼A.P.
Gwen
no recipe showing
Jamela Porter
The issue has been fixed.
Gwen
Got it Thanks
Jamela Porter
No problem.
Melanie
I made these, and they taste really good but they don't look like yours at all! LOL some of them u can actually still see flour....so my family want interested lol....I did them in a larger batch then in a very small single layer, and the breading sticks to my air fryer and rips off the chicken and sticks to other breading, and it doesn't look golden brown like yours at all. Do you have any suggestions?
Angie Thurman
Can you use corn starch inserts
NancyB
ummmm, so no they were not like chick-fil-a really at all. some were floury and although they did sort of crisp I had to cook longer than 8 minutes and I did do it single layer. My family did like them but the looked nothing like your picture - if you have any suggestions as to what I could do different to make them look more like that it would go over better here
Jamela Porter
I have been seeing a few different results from these, there are tons of pics where people have tried them on Pinterest. Some turn out like mine, others not so much. Some say spraying more oil helps.
Brandie
Do we have an idea of the true sodium count? This shows 4449 mg, which I know was a typo (thinking 449 mg is correct). I just wanted to check as we are on sodium restrictions. Recipe looks great, btw, can’t wait to try it.
Jamela Porter
The sodium is from the pickle juice, itis something like 3700 for 1 cup, however I am not sure how it would calculate since you are just marinating the meat in the juice
Lindsey
Instead of soaking in pickle juice I'll be using milk since I've done that before with oven baked chicken tenders and it works. (Not fond of pickles) But how many nuggets do you get a serving? It says 1lb of chicken which is typically about 3 breasts so about 1/2 of a breast? Or about 1 tender. Is that right? That's a small serving in my opinion as I could easily eat 2-3 tenders lol but since they are low in calories it's not a big deal. 3 smartpoints a serving on weight watchers so I could easily do 2 servings in a meal. I am just wondering if I am doing the math right since it said it makes 6 servings.
Daniel
Can you buy pickle juice anywhere
Tish
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe for chicken nuggets, Jamela!! My kids absolutely loved them!! They want to make them again ha-ha
Jamela Porter
Awesome! So glad they liked them. Mine loved them too!
Lis
All of the breading broke off when I was trying to flip at 4 minutes :(. I used silicone tongs. What did I do wrong??
Jamela Porter
Sounds like it was too dry, maybe more spray next time
Gail
Can I just get them prepped in advance to the point of getting the breading done, then refrigerate until I want to put them in the fryer? And would you leave at room temp for a short time before airfrying them?
Jamela Porter
If you do that o would freeze them. And pop em in straight from the freezer
Mel
Hi!
Wondering about using aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg in this recipe? My son has an egg allergy and these look delicious!
Thanks!
Jamela Porter
I’m not sure.
Dana Kluesner
Just tried these tonight and they taste great. The first batch still had flour on some of them so I started spraying more oil on them. Some I cooked an extra minute as well. They taste great but look nothing like your picture. Is the picture from what you made or actual chick-fil-a nuggets? Just curious
Jamela Porter
The photo is what I made. If you look at the try’s on Pinterest a lot of people have been able to get them golden brown like mine.
Steph
Has anyone been successful using gluten free flour?
Pam Davis
I am trying this recipe tonight. My air fryer has three setting. 900,1500 and 1800 Watt. Which one do you suggest I use?
Jamela Porter
The one I use is 1700 watt
JC
I followed this recipe exact and ended up having to raise the temp to 390 and cook an additional 8 minutes. The crust was very salty, so second time, I cut the salt down by 3/4. I think the pickle juice adds enough salt. Plus if you use sauce it really makes it to salty.
Great idea and all in all flavor and moistness are great.
Julie A
We enjoyed the taste of the nuggets!! My nuggets stuck so when I went to turn the bottom crust stayed there...how do you avoid that from happening?
Jamela Porter
Make sure you’re using enough oil. Spray your basket and the nuggets.
Larry
Just got an instant pot so I'm going to ask a dumb question. Do you leave the lid off and just cook the breaded nuggets in a single layer for 8 minutes at 370?
Jamela Porter
This is an air fryer recipe.
Kathy
My air fryer has a 350 and 400 degree temps with no in between setting. What temp do you recommend? And for how long?
Cheryl
I have a found a way to makeep a close 2nd to Chick fil a Polynesian sauce. Mix Western style french dressing and honey. It is very close to the original.
Eunice
I made this and the taste was spot-on! My husband loved it! Only issue I had was that the coating would stick to the air fryer and then fall off the chicken when I was taking the nuggets out...I coated them with olive oil but didn't seem to work. Do you have any suggestions on how I could prevent this from happening in the future? Thank you!
Jamela Porter
I coat and then also spray the nuggets with each turn.
Elsa mederos
What happens if you leave the sugar out? I don’t have any
Jamela Porter
It will change the flavor a bit
Darin Bodenhamer
Like most other people posting, these do not turn out golden brown and they are not really like Chi-fil-a. The coating is heavy on pepper. The flour doesn't get completely cooked in the air fryer. I think these would be better pan fried or deep fried. Having said all of that, the important thing is that they tasted good. Real good. I might make them again, but it is messy and takes some time. It will be awhile.
Meagan
I'll preface this by saying that I did not use milk for the wash. I used a smaller quantity of water. The chicken didn't come out tasting much like chick fil a nuggets BUT think the milk changes the flavor a bit, so I'll use it the next time when I have some in my fridge. I could taste a hint of chick fil a in some bites. Apply the oil as suggested! I brushed on some olive oil before I put them in the fryer and then flipped them after 5 minutes and applied olive oil again. I did have them at 370, but after 10 minutes they weren't crispy enough for my liking so I flipped them twice one with 5 minute intervals between. Total, they were in there for 20 minutes. The timing definitely depends on the fryer though. Overall, LOVED this recipe. They came out brown, crispy, and not floury at all. Thanks for posting this recipe!!!!
Danielle Leonard
I never thought to make these in an Air Fryer, I love the idea! I will be trying them this weekend!
KK
Making them now. I would make them again... maybe sans the pickle juice but I will definitely be making again.
Paige
Can you use vegetable oil instead of olive oil? Do they have the same effect? TIA!
Jamela Porter
You can, but olive oil, or lighter oils are better
debbie
I just got my air fryer so have not made very much with it. I have made the chicken soaked in pickle juice but I used kosjer instead of dill.also I used Keebler captian crackers no sodium instead of the flour. I did add the seasoning though. will try in the fryer
Holly
Super easy to make and very quick. I forgot the powdered sugar in the first batch so it had a very strong taste of pickles! I will embrace making again!
Ashley
These are definitely going to be a staple recipe in our house! I have been gluten free for three years and haven’t had breaded Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets is so long. I just swapped the flour for Cup for Cup GF flour and they came out amazing! Thanks so much for this recipe!!
Amanda
Would this work making chicken strips?
Jamela Payne
Yes
Lindsey
My family loves this recipe! This is now a staple recipe in my house. Just bought a gallon of pickle juice online. Thanks for sharing!
Lori
So I am intrigued. I do not like dill pickles (at all). I ask for no pickles on my Chick Fil A sandwiches. I'm wondering if marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice leaves a pickle flavor? I would want to skip that step so. But I hate beer and lkve ham baked with beer because the beer flavor doesn't stay. Does the pickle juice marinade work the same way?
April
We love Chick-fil-A and these nuggets were spot on!
Pam D
Where do I get a cup of pickle juice? Does grocery stores sell just pickle juice?
Jamela Payne
We use the juice from the jar of pickles.
Mary Ann Savage Fletcher
May 21, 2021. For Mother's Day, I asked for a Ninja XL cooker that has 9 functions. So far, I've tried two of them...pressure cooker and air crisper. I definitely have a lot to learn! Our grandson is staying with us for the weekend, and I suggested we do "something" with our fresh chicken. He suggested we make nuggets like Chick Fil A makes theirs. We began looking at recipes and found your copy cat Chick Fil A recipe nuggets. The taste was really good, but mine certainly didn't look like the nuggets you made. I think part of the problem is that I cannot get my oil to spray evenly on the nuggets. Thank you for taking the time to share your recipes with us! You have an excellent presentation for your recipes and dishes!
Kathy
These smelled like Chick-fil-A nuggets when they were cooking
But had a really strong pickle taste when we ate them. They were OK but I wonder what you can do differently to avoid that?
Cynthia Arnold
Can I marinate and bread them and put in the freezer and cook when ready to eat them?
Crystal
This was a huge hit at our house! It turned out perfectly.