Air-Fryer Pickle-Brined Chicken Nuggets
These Air-Fryer Pickle-Brined Chicken Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and packed with tangy flavor. A healthier, easy-to-make snack or meal with irresistible crunch and zest!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- cooking spray
Instructions
Brine the Chicken
- Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the pickle juice over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Breading Stations
- While the chicken is brining, set up three shallow dishes. In the first, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Bread the Chicken Nuggets
- Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate or tray.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Nuggets
- Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard. These nuggets are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish alongside a fresh salad or veggies.
Equipment
- Bowl
- Resealable Plastic Bag
- Three shallow dishes
- Whisk
- Air Fryer
- Paper Towels
Notes
- Don’t skip the pickle brine; it tenderizes and flavors the chicken like nothing else.
- Pat dry the chicken pieces to help the coating stick and crisp up better.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil before air frying to enhance browning and crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key to crispy nuggets.