Description
This Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich Copycat Recipe delivers the iconic juicy, crispy chicken sandwich experience at home with a healthier twist. Featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in pickle juice and buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mix, and crisped to perfection in an air fryer. Served on warm, buttery brioche buns with classic dill pickle slices and optional fresh toppings, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying copycat version of the beloved fast food favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts (pounded to 1/4″ even thickness and halved)
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Wet Dip
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
Other Ingredients
- Peanut oil (enough for spritzing or light coating)
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup butter (for buttering buns)
- Toppings: dill pickle slices (optionally: green leaf lettuce, tomato, and cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness and then halving each breast. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the pickle juice, buttermilk, salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoned mixture will create the crispy exterior.
- Make the Wet Dip: In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg to form a batter for dipping the chicken before dredging in the flour mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, dip it into the milk and egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. For maximum crispiness, double-dip by repeating the wet and dry coating steps if desired.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spritz the coated chicken pieces with peanut oil or brush a thin layer to help crisping. Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Butter the Buns: While the chicken cooks, gently toast the brioche buns in a skillet or toaster. Spread melted butter on the cut sides while warm to add a rich, buttery finish.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, add dill pickle slices and any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or cheese. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- These air-fried sandwiches are a healthier alternative to traditional fried Chick-fil-A sandwiches, without sacrificing juiciness or crispiness.
- Marinating the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk is key to tender, flavorful meat.
- Use peanut oil spray or brush lightly to help the coating crisp nicely in the air fryer.
- Double coating the chicken can enhance crunchiness but will increase cook time slightly.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or your preferred cheese for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
