Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sharing is caring!

5 from 31 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy here.

These Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Bites are perfect Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets. This dupe is even healthier because it is made in the Air Fryer and not deep fried.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites in a bowl next to  sauce in a square bowl and fruits in another bowl, all on a white cloth with red polka dots.

This Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe makes dinner so easy. You can control the quality of the ingredients that go into these delicious chicken bites and also make something that will have your kids begging for more. Now that is a WIN!


MORE KID-FRIENDLY RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Chicken Chilaquiles Authentic Mexican Breakfast | Crack Chicken Tacos | Easy Chicken Fajita Recipe


What We Love About This Recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe is quick, easy and best of all tastes so wonderful. They will become a weekly favorite at your dinner table.

  • 15 Minute Meal: The nuggets cook in only 15 minutes.
  • Easy Ingredients: Truly easy and flavorful ingredients.
  • Family Friendly: Crispy chicken nuggets are a hit with all ages.
  • Adaptable: You can make it low-carb or low sodium.
  • Great Leftovers: Perfect for lunch on top of salads or as a base for a sandwich or sliders.
ingredients needed to make air fryer nuggets

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

  • Chicken Breast: It is so much cheaper to cut up your own, however you can buy the precut tenderloins or nuggets at your local grocery store.
  • Pickle Juice:  This is the secret ingredient that gives that unexpected flavor but also tenderizes the chicken.
  • Powdered Sugar: Only a little, this really creates a balance of flavors.
  • Paprika: A hint of this spice makes a great kick of flavor.
  • Seasoning: Use salt and black pepper or your favorite poultry seasoning for these nuggets.
closeup of Air Fryer Chicken Bites in a bowl next to  fruits in another bowl, all on a white cloth with red polka dots.

Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Chicken Bites

  • Air Fryer
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Parchment Paper

How to Make Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe

These are the basic steps for making air fryer nuggets. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutritional information.

cubed chicken in pickle juice inside the plastic bag.

STEP 1: CUBE

First, place cubed chicken into a gallon size bag and pour in pickle juice. Shake and place back in refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.

a collage of 4 images showing the steps needed to bread air fryer chicken nuggets

STEP 2: BREAD

Meanwhile, mix egg and milk until completely combined. Mix powdered sugar, flour and spices in a separate bowl. Drain chicken and place in flour, then place in egg milk mixture, and finally back into flour mixture.

a collage of 2 images showing how to make chicken nuggets in air fryer

STEP 3: COOK

Lastly, place the battered nuggets in an air fryer basket that has been lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking oil. Cook on 370 for 8-10 minutes, stirring and respraying halfway through. Finally, let nuggets cool for 5 minutes before eating.

Prep and Storage Tips for Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

Follow the steps for marinating the chicken and then bread the chicken. This can be kept in the fridge for up to two days well wrapped in an airtight container.

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

Store the air fried chicken bites in an airtight container or wrapped well with aluminum foil for up to two days.

HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE

Make the chicken nuggets per the instructions in the recipe card and then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about a half an hour. Then, place individual frozen pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag.

HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE

Reheat using the air fryer. The nuggets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, using a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE GLUTEN FREE?

Gluten free baking mix or flour can be used for this great chicken nugget recipe.

WHAT TYPE OF PICKLE JUICE SHOULD I USE?

Dill pickle juice is the best to use for this recipe.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Of course, simply increase the quantity in the recipe card below or freeze any that you do not need per the instructions above.

CAN YOU REHEAT CHICKEN NUGGETS IN THE AIR FRYER?

Indeed, I suggest that this the best way to crisp up your bites. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees and then cook the nuggets for three to five minutes depending on their thickness.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites in a bowl next to  fruits in another bowl, all on a white cloth with red polka dots.

Expert Tips for Making This Air Frying Chicken Nuggets Recipe

  • Add Heat: A dash of your favorite hot sauce into the batter will really make the bites amazing.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in the flour is awesome.
  • Cooking tip: Always cook the nuggets in a single layer and make sure they aren’t touching for optimal air circulation and crispier chicken bites.
  • Tools: Parchment paper or silicone inserts in your air fryer will make for easy clean up, and always use a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
  • Sauce: Feel free to pair your air fryer chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch, marinara, barbeque or whatever your family enjoys.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Bites

  • French Fries
  • Chick Fil a Dipping Sauce
  • Green Salad
  • Pasta

Did you try this recipe?
Click below to leave a review and rating!

5 from 31 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are perfect Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets. This dupe is even healthier because it is made in the Air Fryer and not deep fried.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Cups
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed into bites
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoning
  • ½ tablespoon paprika
  • 1 ½ cups flour

Instructions

  • Place cubed chicken into a gallon size bag and pour in pickle juice. Shake and place back in refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
  • Mix egg and milk until completely combined. Mix powdered sugar, flour and spices in a separate bowl.
  • Drain chicken and place in flour. Then place in egg milk mixture and then back into flour mixture.
  • Place the battered bites in air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil.
  • Cook on 370 for 8-10 minutes, stirring and respraying halfway through.
  • Let chicken cool for 5 minutes before eating.

Expert Tips

  • Add Heat: A dash of your favorite hot sauce in the batter will really make the bites amazing.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in the flour is awesome.
  • Cooking tip: Always cook the nuggets in a single layer and make sure they aren’t touching for optimal air circulation and crispier chicken bites.
  • Tools: Parchment paper or silicone inserts in your air fryer will make for easy clean up, and always use a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
  • Sauce: Feel free to pair your air fryer chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch, marinara, barbeque or whatever your family enjoys.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 4mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!Follow Us: @MoreChickenRecipes or tag #MoreChickenRecipes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Recipes You Might Have Missed

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating