Name: Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or 3 chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup dill pickle juice; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/3 cup peanut oil (spritzer canola or vegetable oil works instead)

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If you have ever found yourself craving those irresistibly crispy, juicy nuggets from your favorite fast-food joint, then you are going to absolutely adore this Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe. It perfectly replicates that iconic flavor and texture, all while being made right in your air fryer, which means less oil and a whole lot less mess. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into crispy bites of pure happiness that feel like a special treat but are so easy to whip up at home. Trust me, these nuggets will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, ready to impress family and friends with every crunchy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy light yellow mixture that contains small chunks of raw pink chicken and black pepper specks, held over a white marbled countertop. A woman's hand wearing a transparent disposable glove is dipping a piece of chicken into the mixture, showing the light texture and thickness of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in getting that signature Chick Fil A taste and texture just right. The brine infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderness, the dredge mixture builds that crispy crust, and the homemade sauce brings everything together with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky.

Chicken tenders or breasts: Choose high-quality, fresh chicken for juicy nuggets with excellent texture.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken during brining.
Dill pickle juice: The secret ingredient to that authentic Chick Fil A flavor boost.
Granulated sugar and salt: Balance flavor and aid in tenderizing during the brine.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Layers of savory notes enhance the overall seasoning.
Milk and egg (wet dredge): Help the flour mixture stick and create that perfect crispy coating.
All-purpose flour: The base for the crunchy crust surrounding each nugget.
Powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that mimics the original nuggets’ flavor.
Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Give depth and warmth to the crust’s seasoning.
Mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, yellow mustard, lemon juice: All combined for a tangy, creamy Chick-Fil-A style sauce.
Peanut oil (or canola/vegetable oil spritz): Spritzing the nuggets promotes that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Start by combining buttermilk, dill pickle juice, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Submerge the chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts into this flavorful brine and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours. This brining step is what locks in moisture and infuses each piece with that trademark Chick Fil A taste, making your nuggets bursting with juiciness from the inside out.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixtures

While your chicken soaks, mix together the wet dredge by whisking the milk and egg until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the dry coating. Having these ready ensures a seamless step when it’s time to coat the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is brined, remove it from the liquid and let any excess drip off. Dip each piece into the wet dredge, then thoroughly coat in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently so every nook and cranny gets covered. For maximum crunch, repeat the wet and dry dredging one more time if you like more coating on your nuggets.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place your coated nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz them with peanut oil to encourage browning and crisping during cooking. Air fry at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the exterior is golden and irresistibly crunchy. The air fryer creates that perfect balance of juicy interior and crispy exterior without deep frying, making this Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe both delicious and healthier.

Step 5: Make the Classic Chick-Fil-A Style Sauce

While the nuggets cook, whip up the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, yellow mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This dipping sauce is the ideal companion to your nuggets, amplifying each bite with sweet and tangy flair that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe

A close-up view of a thick, smooth sauce with a creamy texture, light orange color speckled with tiny black pepper dots, being drizzled from a whisk into a clear glass bowl. The sauce fills the bowl about half full, showing soft swirls on the surface where it falls. The background and surface beneath the bowl have a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over your nuggets to add a touch of color and a mild herbaceous note. You might also serve with lemon wedges for a light zest that cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Side Dishes

Pairing your nuggets with waffle fries or crispy homemade potato wedges makes for a classic Chick Fil A-style meal that everyone will love. A fresh side salad or steamed green beans offer a nutritious contrast, balancing out the indulgence with some crisp, vibrant veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your nuggets in mini slider buns with pickles and your signature sauce for a playful take on chicken sliders. Alternatively, toss the nuggets into a colorful salad bowl for a protein-packed meal that’s as stunning as it is delicious, or pack them in a picnic box for an easy on-the-go treat that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking your nuggets, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient snack or meal component that you can enjoy anytime.

Freezing

To freeze, place your cooked, cooled nuggets on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This makes meal prepping a breeze, so you have your favorite nuggets ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe and keep them crispy is by popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. This quick reheating method refreshes that golden crunch and juicy interior flawlessly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for the tenderest, juiciest nuggets. Frozen chicken may release too much moisture during cooking, which can affect the coating’s crispness, although you could thaw it fully first before starting the recipe.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the brine?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using it in the brine.

Is peanut oil necessary for this recipe?

While peanut oil contributes a mild richness and authentic flavor, you can swap it with canola, vegetable, or any neutral cooking oil suitable for high heat. Using an oil spritz helps achieve the air fryer’s signature crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the coating crispy.

How long do leftovers last when refrigerated?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your cooked nuggets will stay safe and tasty in the fridge for up to three days. Beyond that, they can start to dry out or lose their texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about creating your favorite fast-food classics at home, especially when you nail the flavor and crunch like this Air Fryer Chick Fil A Nuggets Copycat Recipe does. It’s a recipe filled with simple yet thoughtful steps that bring those nuggets to life with a fresh homemade touch, minus the frying mess. So go ahead, treat yourself to this delightful dish that tastes like a guilty pleasure but feels like a warm hug. Your next nugget craving is officially solved!