Imagine biting into crispy, juicy chicken nuggets that taste just like your favorite fast-food restaurant, but without leaving your kitchen! These homemade Copycat Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets are about to become your new obsession. With a secret marinade that guarantees maximum flavor and an air fryer technique that delivers perfect texture, you'll never need to hit the drive-thru again. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality recipe that's easier to make than you could ever imagine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine pickle juice and milk to create a marinade. Add chicken pieces and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- In a separate shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, and paprika to create the coating mixture. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature of nuggets with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove nuggets from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard or Chick-fil-A sauce.
Tips
- Marinating is key: Don't skip the pickle juice and milk soak - this is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken.
- Pat chicken dry thoroughly before coating to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let nuggets rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to keep things interesting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 325kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 98mg
