These copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets soak in pickle juice, get a light crumb coating, and crisp up in the air fryer. A quick honey mustard yogurt dip finishes them.
One serving, about 10 nuggets plus dip, has about 41 g of protein and 321 calories.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is a trademark of its owner. This is our own homemade version inspired by the original.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Air Fryer Nuggets
Pickle-brined chicken breast pieces in a parmesan crumb coating, air fried, with a honey mustard Greek yogurt dip.
Serving: about 10 nuggets + dip. Makes: about 30 nuggets (3 servings). Per serving: 321 calories, 40.8 g protein.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, raw (454 g), cut into about 30 bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice, for brining (discarded)
- 1 large egg white (33 g)
- 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs (54 g)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan (10 g)
- 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp canola oil, sprayed (4.5 g)
- Dip: 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (57 g), 1 tbsp honey (21 g), 1 tbsp yellow mustard (15 g)
Instructions
- Cover the chicken pieces with pickle juice. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours, then drain and pat dry.
- Toss the chicken with the egg white.
- Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices in a bowl. Toss the chicken in it, pressing so the crumbs stick.
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lay the nuggets in one layer, without touching. Spray with oil.
- Air fry 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F (74°C) inside. Work in batches if needed.
- Stir the dip ingredients together and serve.
What drives the protein: the chicken breast. One serving with dip has about 41 g of protein and 321 calories. The pickle brine adds flavor; we did not count it because it is drained off.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Recipe | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer nuggets | about 10 nuggets + dip | 321 | 40.8 g | 20.2 g | 7.6 g | 1.0 g | 340 mg |
Values are calculated from USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy) for the ingredients listed. Spices and the drained pickle brine are not included. Brands vary, so check your labels.
Tips
Extra crispy
- Pat the chicken very dry after brining.
- Do not crowd the basket. Air needs to reach every side.
Reheat
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Want more air fryer and chicken ideas for the week? See our high-protein chicken meal prep. For kid-friendly lunches, try our high-protein lunches that reheat well.
FAQ
Why pickle juice?
It seasons the chicken all the way through, the way the original nuggets taste. It is drained off before cooking.
How much protein is in these nuggets?
About 41 g of protein and 321 calories per serving of about 10 nuggets with dip, based on USDA data.
Is this the real Chick-fil-A recipe?
No. It is our own homemade version. We are not affiliated with Chick-fil-A.
