This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
About This Recipe
You guys! This has to be one of the most fun and useful meal ideas to date! Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets. Yes, grilled nuggets made in the AIR FRYER. In a pickle brine! Say what?!
These pickle nuggets are absolutely delicious and way better (and cheaper) than fast food. This is 100% about to be your new favorite air fryer chicken recipe!
Have you heard of people using pickle juice as a brine before? The acid in pickle juice acts as a brine to keep your chicken’s moisture locked inside. And the slight tanginess from the pickle juice itself brings the perfect amount of flavor. It’s truly not overpowering, just a slight tang!
And this recipe is so easy. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and is truly fool proof. The key is to not overcook the chicken. Otherwise, these are very straightforward and simple to make!
This is a great recipe for meal prep. Add them on top of my salad or serve alongside your favorite veggies (I love these air fryer green beans with it).
You can even dip in one of my favorite things, Chick-fil-A Honey BBQ Sauce. Either way you choose, these nuggets are going to make for a delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets
- They’re the most tender, delicious and moist grilled chicken you’ve ever had!
- One of my all time favorite air fryer recipes! A total Chick-fil-A copycat recipe.
- Super easy to prep. Just dice the chicken and place in pickle juice!
- Two easy cooking methods: grill or air fryer.
- You can pair them with almost anything! PERFECT for meal prep!
- Kid AND adult friendly. The whole family LOVES these.
- Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breast. You could use chicken thighs as well if you prefer. We’ll cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Pickle juice
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika (smoked paprika and sweet paprika both work) and a little bit of brown sugar. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings of choice for additional flavor.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Add chicken, pickle juice, brown sugar and black pepper (if using) to a large bowl or ziploc bag). Toss, place in fridge and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). Remove chicken from the brine and lightly pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle all over with the salt and paprika.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Add the chicken in a single layer. Spray a little more nonstick spray on top of the chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway, or until cooked through (no longer pink when you cut down the middle or when internal temperature has reached 155F*).
For this recipe, I have tested an air fryer and grill, but you should be able to cook in a pan or in the oven just fine!
Cooking Recommendations:
- Air fryer / 375°F / 8-10 minutes – This is probably the easiest method and the one we do most often.
- Grill / 450°F / 3 minutes each side – Just as easy as using the air fryer. I also love getting those grill marks!
- Oven / 400°F / 16-18 minutes – Place your chicken pickle nuggets on a baking sheet with parchment paper and place in the preheated oven. I would flip halfway through.
- Stovetop / Medium-heat / 4-5 minutes each side – Add to a heated pan and cook for 4-5 minutes untouched. Then, flip and cook another 4-5 minutes.
It’s important to note that cooking times will vary based on the size of the chicken you use. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. I like to remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches 155°F. Carryover cooking will ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
You can also always slice a nugget in half, and as long as chicken is no longer pink, it’s good!
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Easy Mac and Cheese Bites
- Healthy Macaroni Salad (Deli Style!)
- Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
- Simple Salad with Goat Cheese & Cranberries
- Air Fryer Green Beans – for a balanced healthy meal.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- French fries – I love Alexia frozen brand!
And of course SAUCE! I love honey mustard or my Skinny Chick-fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce with these.
How long does the chicken need to marinate in the pickle brine?
At least 30 minutes is best, but even if all you had time for was 5 minutes, that is better than nothing!
Do you taste the pickle?
To me, you really don’t. The pickle juice gives them a slight tang, but it’s really not overpowering at all. Even if you don’t like pickles I still think you would like these.
What do these chicken nuggets taste like?
They taste similar to Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets and air fryer naked chicken tenders.
What’s the best way to cook these chicken pickle nuggets?
I love to use the air fryer, but there is definitely a way to fit how your kitchen works! I share options for the oven, grill, air fryer, and stove top in the post above.
How do I prevent my pickle chicken nuggets from becoming dry?
As with any cooked chicken, the key to this recipe is to not overcook the chicken. For best results, take chicken out when internal temperature reaches 155 F. Carryover cooking will ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
The Best Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets (Pickle-Brined)
Ingredients
To Marinate:
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (120g)
- 1 tsp brown sugar optional
- 1/2 tsp black pepper optional
After Marinating:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes. Scroll for macros and MyFitnessPal code.
Instructions
- Add chicken, pickle juice, brown sugar and black pepper (if using) to a large bowl or ziploc bag). Toss, place in fridge and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
- Remove chicken from the brine and lightly pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle all over with the salt and paprika.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Add the chicken in a single layer. Spray a little more nonstick spray on top of the chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway, or until cooked through (no longer pink when you cut down the middle or when internal temperature has reached 155F*).
- Remove chicken from air fryer basket and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
