Get ready to unlock the secret to the most mouth-watering, crispy chicken nuggets that taste EXACTLY like your favorite fast-food chain - without leaving your kitchen! Our Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe brings the irresistible flavor and crunch of everyone's beloved chicken nuggets right to your dinner table, and the best part? They're healthier, easier to make, and will have your family begging for seconds. Prepare to become the culinary hero of your household with this game-changing recipe that's about to revolutionize your home cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, marinate chicken pieces in pickle juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the meat and adds signature tangy flavor.
- After marinating, drain the pickle juice and transfer chicken to a clean bowl. Pour milk over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are completely coated.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a seasoned breading mixture.
- Remove each chicken piece from milk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat completely in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to ensure even coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Nuggets should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove nuggets and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard or classic Chick Fil A sauce.
Tips
- Marinating is key: Don't skip the pickle juice soak - it's the secret weapon for tender, flavorful chicken.
- Temperature matters: Always ensure your air fryer is preheated for consistent cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches to maintain crispy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and ensure food safety.
- For extra crispiness, spray the nuggets lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
- Let the nuggets rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect pairing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
