The 25-year-old was an unused substitute as Algeria came from behind to beat Zambia 3-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Ait-Nouri appeared frustrated at remaining on the bench and was filmed remonstrating with a coach, while a teammate attempted to intervene.
The Algerian Football Federation subsequently confirmed that the Manchester City defender had been released from the squad and would return to his club.
“The national coach, Mr Brahim Hemdani decided this Saturday to release the player Rayan Ait-Nouri from the current training camp of the national team,” the federation said.
“The Algerian international will return to his club, Manchester City.”
Ait-Nouri's departure came after Algeria had already secured victory without him.
Jaouen Hadjam gave Algeria the lead after only two minutes before Zambia's Fashion Sakala equalised in the 57th minute.
Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria's advantage before Anis Hadj Moussa added a third goal seven minutes later to complete the 3-1 win.
Ait-Nouri's early return means he will now rejoin Manchester City rather than remain with Algeria for the remainder of the international break.
The defender joined City after previously playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers and has been part of the club's squad during the opening stages of the season.