Description

This easy copycat Chick-fil-A chicken recipe delivers beloved crispy chicken flavor using an air fryer. It is perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying, homemade meal without fuss, transforming weeknight dinners into an extraordinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale

450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3 cm (1.25 inch) pieces
0.5 cup (120 ml) dill pickle juice
0.25 cup (60 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (25 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (5 ml) fine sea salt
0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
0.25 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon (1.25 ml) onion powder
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Avocado oil spray

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform 3 cm (1.25 inch) pieces to ensure even cooking.
Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken, 0.5 cup pickle juice, and 0.25 cup milk in a bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for tender, flavorful chicken.
Prepare Breading Mixture: Whisk together flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper in a shallow dish to form the seasoned coating.
Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece firmly in the flour mixture for an even, thick coating, then shake off any excess.
Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Spray the basket with avocado oil. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with avocado oil. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached.

Notes

For best flavor and healthier results, opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts. If chicken isn’t crispy, cook in smaller batches. This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 113 g (approx. 4 oz) chicken
Calories: 280 calories
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: chick-fil-a copycat, air fryer, chicken bites, crispy chicken, homemade, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-approved, budget-friendly