Description
Crispy, golden air-fried chicken bites with a tangy pickle juice brine and a homemade Chick-fil-A style sauce. Juicy, restaurant-quality bites ready in under 10 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pickle juice
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for air fryer coating)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (for sauce)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
Instructions
Combine buttermilk, pickle juice, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Coat marinated chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
Lightly brush or spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Air fry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder until smooth. Serve with chicken bites.
Notes
Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Brine time can be extended up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Adjust spices to taste. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add diced celery or coleslaw for a classic combo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg