Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken (Print Version)

Crispy Chick-Fil-A style chicken cooked in an air fryer with buttermilk and a flavorful coating.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/4 cup dill pickle juice

→ Coating

05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
08 - 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt
09 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

10 - Olive oil cooking spray

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
02 - Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and dill pickle juice in a bowl until smooth.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring complete coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight for optimal tenderness.
04 - Combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Shake well to blend evenly.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (approximately 200°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
06 - Place marinated chicken pieces into the flour mixture bag in small batches. Seal and shake thoroughly to ensure an even coating on each piece.
07 - Spray the air fryer basket liberally with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
08 - Place coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not touch for even air circulation. Spray the top of the nuggets generously with olive oil spray.
09 - Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. After flipping, spray again with olive oil spray. Confirm doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10 - Remove cooked nuggets and repeat coating and air frying process with remaining chicken pieces.

# Extra Tips & Details:

01 - Spraying both the air fryer basket and the coated chicken with olive oil spray is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy exterior without deep frying.
02 - Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
03 - Marinating overnight enhances moisture retention and tenderness.

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