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The allure of fast food often tempts many of us, but what if you could recreate your favorite nuggets at home? Introducing the Crispy Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Nuggets — a healthier yet equally delicious alternative that captures the essence of the beloved original. These nuggets are not just a satisfying snack; they present a wonderful opportunity to indulge guilt-free. With the air fryer, you can achieve that irresistible crunch and flavor we crave without the excess calories and unhealthy fats. This recipe empowers you to control the ingredients, making it an ideal choice for families and health-conscious individuals alike.

Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Nuggets

Craving a healthier version of your favorite fast food? Try these Crispy Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Nuggets! This homemade recipe captures all the delicious flavors while cutting down on excess fat and calories. Using lean chicken breast, a tangy buttermilk marinade, and a secret ingredient—pickle juice—your nuggets will be juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a quick snack or a family meal, these guilt-free bites are sure to impress! Check out the comprehensive guide to make cooking a breeze.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon pickle juice

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

Honey (for serving, optional)

Your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or BBQ, optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and pickle juice. Whisk until blended.

      - Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for the best flavor and tenderness.

        Prepare the Coating:

          - In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

            Preheat the Air Fryer:

              - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

                Coat the Chicken:

                  - Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Let the excess buttermilk drip off.

                    - Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour.

                      Air Fry the Nuggets:

                        - Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

                          - Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to work in batches.

                            - Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray.

                              - Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). If you'd like them crispier, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

                                Serve:

                                  - Once done, carefully remove the nuggets from the air fryer. Serve hot with honey or your favorite dipping sauce.

                                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                                      30 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings