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Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Chick-fil-A

The Ultimate Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich: Crispy, Juicy, and Made at Home

Craving that iconic, perfectly crispy, and incredibly juicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A? What if you could recreate that magic right in your own kitchen, achieving the same mouth-watering flavor and satisfying crunch without the deep-frying mess? With the power of your air fryer, it’s not just possible – it’s surprisingly easy! This Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich recipe delivers a juicy chicken breast with a super crispy coating in every single bite, tasting remarkably like the real deal.

Two air fryer copycat chick oil a sandwich fully cooked and served on a white round plate dressed with pickles, cheese, chicken breast, lettuce, and chick oil sauce. Two extra buns halfway out of the bag are in the top right of the picture.

This fantastic recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it incredibly easy to whip up. In approximately an hour, from start to finish, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to be assembled into your perfect sandwich. Forget the drive-thru lines and enjoy a healthier, homemade version that tastes even better!

Why You Will Love This Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich

There are countless reasons to adore this homemade Chick-fil-A inspired sandwich. It captures the essence of that beloved fast-food favorite, allowing you to enjoy its distinct taste and texture whenever the craving strikes, all from the comfort of your home kitchen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a go-to:

  • Unmistakable Flavor: We all love Chick-fil-A’s unique savory and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe meticulously replicates that profile, ensuring every bite reminds you of your favorite order.
  • Achieve Perfect Crispiness with an Air Fryer: The air fryer is the secret weapon here. It circulates hot air, creating an incredibly crispy coating on the chicken without the need for excessive oil, resulting in a much lighter and less greasy sandwich than traditional deep-frying.
  • Juicy and Tender Chicken: Thanks to the pickle juice brine and milk bath, the chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and tender on the inside, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy exterior.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You don’t need exotic items to make this. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly.
  • Customizable to Your Liking: When you make it at home, you’re the boss! Adjust the spices to your preference, add extra toppings, or experiment with different sauces. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic for entertaining friends and family on weekends, allowing everyone to build their customized sandwich.
  • Healthier Alternative: By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The air fryer truly makes delicious sandwiches, like this air fryer grilled cheese sandwich, and this chicken sandwich is no exception!

Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich

Crafting this phenomenal sandwich requires a balanced blend of everyday ingredients to achieve that signature Chick-fil-A taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

  • Eggs: Act as a binder for the breading, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  • Milk: When whisked with eggs, milk creates a rich liquid bath that further tenderizes the chicken and ensures a thick, even coating. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but any milk will work.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Aim for medium-sized breasts that can be easily pounded to an even thickness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our crispy breading, providing structure and absorbency for the spices.
  • Breadcrumbs (Plain): While Chick-fil-A doesn’t traditionally use breadcrumbs, a small amount helps achieve an extra crispy, golden-brown crust in the air fryer.
  • Pickle Juice: This is a crucial ingredient for authentic flavor and incredible juiciness! The acidity and salt in pickle juice act as a brine, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with that distinct tangy taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: A secret ingredient for replicating Chick-fil-A’s subtle sweetness and contributing to the golden-brown crispness of the coating.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and is essential for seasoning the chicken and breading.
  • Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet peppery flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the coating.
  • White Pepper: Offers a slightly milder and less pungent pepper flavor than black pepper, often preferred in lighter-colored coatings.
  • Chili Powder: Contributes a touch of warmth and depth to the spice blend, rounding out the flavor profile.
Picture of all the ingredients used to make copycat chick fil a sandwiches. Starting from the bottom of the photograph is an opened package of buns and a round white plate with lettuce and pickles. In the middle of the photo is a round black measuring cup of milk, a clear container of uncooked chicken, and a can of avocado oil. At the top of the image are four glass bowls, each containing a different ingredient; powdered sugar, flour, pickle juice, and breadcrumb. Two brown eggs, a round, and a white round plate with three measuring spoons, each holding a different ingredient; white pepper paprika and chili powder.

Optional Additional Flavors: For an extra kick or nuanced taste, consider adding a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness, or a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicier profile.

How To Make a Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prepare the Chicken with a Pickle Juice Brine.

    Begin by soaking your chicken breasts in a medium-sized bowl filled with pickle juice. This brining step is crucial for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with that signature tangy flavor. Allow the chicken to soak for at least 20 minutes; for maximum flavor and juiciness, you can even extend this to 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.

    Picture of a glass bowl with the raw chicken soaking in the pickle juice. There is a meat tenderizer at the top left of the glass bowl and whole eggs to the top right of the glass bowl.

  2. Pound the Chicken Breasts.

    After brining, remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat them dry. Place each chicken breast into a sealable bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts evenly to about ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps create a larger surface area for that crispy coating.

    Picture the raw chicken in a zip lock bag being tenderized with a meat mallet.

  3. Cut and Prepare for Soaking.

    Once pounded, cut each chicken breast in half. This typically yields 4 pieces of chicken, perfect for individual sandwiches. This step helps create portions suitable for buns and ensures they cook through evenly in the air fryer.

    A picture of the two raw chicken breasts on a cutting board cut in half with a knife lying on the cutting board at an angle.

  4. Prepare the Wet Mixture.

    In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. This is your second marinating step, which helps further tenderize the chicken and prepare it for the dry breading. Place the chicken pieces into this milk mixture and let them sit for 30 minutes. This creates a moist surface for the breading to adhere to.

    A glass bowl with the whisked milk and eggs and the raw chicken soaking in the mixture. In the bottom, left corner of the photograph are two whole eggs, and at the top right of the image are two egg shells with a glass bowl of flour.

  5. Combine Dry Ingredients.

    In a separate, wider bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, kosher salt, paprika, white pepper, and chili powder. Whisk them together thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed. This is your flavorful breading mixture that will give the chicken its signature crispy crust.

    Round white bowl with all the dry ingredients poured in; breadcrumbs, flour, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, and chili powder.

  6. Preheat Your Air Fryer.

    Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for achieving optimal crispiness and ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, preventing it from steaming.

  7. Bred the Chicken.

    Remove the chicken breasts from the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then, dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating. Shake each piece gently to remove any excess flour, as too much can result in a pasty coating. This double-dip method (pickle brine then milk/egg) and careful breading are key to the crunchy exterior.

    Picture of a glass bowl with the raw chicken soaked in a milk and egg mixture. A round white bowl with the flour mixture and one piece of chicken in the process of being coated with the mixture. To the right of the white bowl is a fork used to move the chicken from the wet mixture to the dry mix. To the right of the glass bowl is the can of avocado oil, and there is a small portion of whole eggs at the top land bottom left of the picture.

  8. Prepare for Air Frying.

    Place each breaded chicken piece on a baking sheet or wire rack while you finish coating the remaining pieces. This allows the breading to set slightly and helps prevent overcrowding the air fryer basket.

  9. Load the Air Fryer.

    Carefully place the chicken breasts into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray or avocado oil spray. This extra step is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown and extra crispy finish.

    A picture of the air fryer basket with the chicken placed inside and ready to air fry. In the bottom left corner of the image is a round white plate with pickles and lettuce. The base of the air fryer is at the top left. The buns are at the top right of the picture.

  10. Air Fry to Perfection.

    Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 17-19 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process (around 8-9 minutes), flip the chicken pieces over and give the tops another light spray of oil. This ensures both sides become wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models can vary.

    A picture of four pieces of chicken halfway cooked in the air fryer basket before flipping over. The hamburger buns are at the top right corner of the picture.

  11. Check for Doneness.

    Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This guarantees your chicken is both safe and perfectly cooked.

  12. Assemble and Serve.

    Once cooked, immediately serve the crispy chicken on warm brioche buns, adorned with your favorite sandwich fixings. The brioche buns add an extra layer of sweetness and richness that complements the chicken perfectly. Enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A masterpiece!

Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich

To truly master this copycat recipe and achieve restaurant-quality results, keep these expert tips in mind:

  • Don’t Skip the Brine: The pickle juice brine is non-negotiable for that signature flavor and incredibly juicy chicken. Don’t shorten the soaking time.
  • Pound Evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness ensures uniform cooking and creates a larger, consistent surface for the breading, leading to an all-over crispy texture.
  • Pat Dry Before Breading: After the milk bath, lightly pat the chicken dry before dipping it into the flour mixture. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from becoming soggy.
  • Ensure a Generous Coating: Press the chicken firmly into the dry mixture to ensure it’s fully coated. A good coating is key to a crispy crust.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook chicken in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Use Oil Spray Liberally: A good spray of olive oil or avocado oil on both sides of the breaded chicken (especially when flipping) is essential for achieving a golden, extra-crispy exterior in the air fryer.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures consistent cooking temperature and an immediate crisping effect when the chicken enters the basket.
  • Rest After Cooking: Once cooked, if not serving immediately, place the chicken on a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. A paper towel-lined plate can also work in a pinch.
  • Consider Air Fryer Parchment Paper: Using air fryer parchment paper with holes can make cleanup a breeze while still allowing proper air circulation.
  • Toast Your Buns: Lightly butter and toast your brioche buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or in a pan for an even more authentic experience.

Variations & Customizations

While the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich is a masterpiece, feel free to get creative and customize your air-fried copycat to your taste:

  • Spicy Chick-fil-A: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture for a fiery kick. You can also drizzle hot sauce directly onto the cooked chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure your buns are also gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk alternative (like almond milk or oat milk) instead of dairy milk for the wet mixture.
  • Different Chicken Cuts: While breasts are traditional, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even juicier and richer flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
  • Herbaceous Chicken: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into your flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
  • Sweetener Alternatives: If you don’t have powdered sugar, granulated sugar can be used, though powdered sugar helps achieve a finer texture in the coating.
  • Different Buns: While brioche buns are fantastic, feel free to experiment with classic hamburger buns or soft potato rolls based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chick-fil-A Feast

This sandwich is undeniably delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and sauces can elevate your meal to a true feast. Here are some fantastic serving ideas:

  • Classic Sides: Recreate the full experience with air-fried waffle fries, a creamy coleslaw, or even some mac and cheese. For a lighter option, a simple garden salad or a fresh caprese salad drizzled with olive oil makes a great accompaniment.
  • Dipping Sauces: The right sauce is key! Offer a variety of options like classic Ranch dressing, tangy honey mustard sauce, a fiery spicy mayonnaise, or go all-out with a homemade copycat Chick-fil-A sauce.
  • Toppings Galore: Beyond the essential dill pickle slices, consider adding a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar or American melt beautifully), shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or a spread of Dijon or yellow mustard for extra flavor and texture.
  • Breakfast Sandwich: Use smaller chicken patties and serve them on biscuits or English muffins with an egg and cheese for a satisfying breakfast version.
Chicken sandwich fully cooked from the air fryer served with waffle fries in a red basket. There is a white bowl of sauce above the basket and a small portion of extra buns in the image's top right.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover chicken sandwiches, or just the chicken patties themselves, can be easily stored and reheated for another delicious meal.

  • Refrigeration: Allow the cooked chicken patties to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag in your refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For best results and to maintain crispiness, store the chicken and buns separately.
  • Freezing: If you’re making a larger batch for meal prep, the cooked chicken patties freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer storage bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating in the Air Fryer: The best way to reheat is in the air fryer to restore crispiness. Place the chicken patties in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until heated through and crispy. For buns, a quick 1-2 minutes at the end of the chicken reheating cycle will warm and toast them perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I serve with this dish?

This Chick-fil-A inspired sandwich is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines with complementary sides. For that authentic fast-food experience, serve it with crispy air-fried waffle fries or sweet potato fries. Other delicious options include corn ribs, blooming onion, or a fresh side salad for a lighter meal. A simple garden salad or caprese salad drizzled with a balsamic glaze or olive oil adds a refreshing contrast.

How to store leftovers?

To keep your leftover chicken fresh and crispy, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken patties in an airtight container or a resealable bag in your refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer storage bag. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. Always reheat in the air fryer for the best texture!

What other dishes can I make with chicken?

Chicken is a remarkably versatile protein, making it a staple in countless recipes. Beyond this delicious sandwich, you can create a spicy chicken sandwich by adding extra heat to the breading, delightful bite-sized popcorn chicken for snacks, or zesty lemon pepper chicken for a weeknight dinner. Shredded chicken is excellent in tacos, enchiladas, and hearty casseroles, while chopped chicken elevates salads, stews, and soups. The possibilities are truly endless!

Why do you use pickle juice?

Pickle juice is a culinary secret weapon, particularly for brining chicken and pork. Its high salt content and acidity work together to break down muscle fibers, leading to incredibly tender meat. As a brine, it helps the chicken absorb and retain moisture throughout the cooking process, resulting in a juicy interior. Furthermore, it infuses the chicken with a distinct tangy and savory flavor, which is a key characteristic of the beloved Chick-fil-A chicken. Don’t worry, the chicken won’t taste overpoweringly like pickles, but rather gain a complex, umami depth.

Is this air fryer chicken sandwich healthier than the fast-food version?

Yes, typically a homemade air fryer version can be healthier. While exact nutritional values depend on ingredients and portion sizes, air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to deep-frying. This means fewer calories and less saturated fat. You also have control over the quality of ingredients, opting for fresh chicken, whole milk, and less processed buns and sauces.

Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts?

It is highly recommended to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for this recipe. The brining and pounding steps are crucial for the texture and flavor, and these are much more effective with unfrozen chicken. If you only have frozen chicken, ensure it’s completely thawed in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.

Chick fil a copycat sandwich fully cooked and dressed with pickles, cheese, lettuce, and sauce in a red basket. A small portion of a red basket with waffle fries is in the top right of the picture.

Making your own Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich is a game-changer. It’s an incredibly satisfying way to enjoy that beloved flavor and texture right at home, often healthier and always customizable. With just a few simple steps and your trusty air fryer, you’re minutes away from a crispy, juicy chicken sandwich that will impress everyone. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

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  • Easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
  • Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers

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Air fryer copycat chick fil a sandwich dressed with pickles, cheese, lettuce, and sauce and served on a round white plate.

4.64 from 19 votes
Servings: 2

Air Fryer Copycat Chick Fil A Sandwich

By Jen
Air Fryer Copycat Chick Fil A Sandwich is juicy chicken that is super crispy in every bite. It is a delicious sandwich that tastes just like the real thing but made in your own kitchen. 
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 cup milk, whole
  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice
  • 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoom chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, black pepper can be substituted
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Instructions 

  • Presoak the chicken breasts in pickle juice in a medium size bowl for 20 minutes. 
  • Place chicken breasts into a sealable bag and pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness with a meat mallet.
  • Then cut the chicken breasts in half to make 4 total pieces of chicken.
  • Whisk milk and eggs together in a shallow bowl then place the chicken breasts into the milk mixture and allow them to sit for 30 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs, flour, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, pepper and chili powder together.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the egg mixture and dip chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake each piece gently to remove excess flour.
  • Place each piece on a baking sheet until you are ready to begin to air fry.
  • Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray or avocado oil spray.
  • Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees F for 17-19 minutes, flip chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray the tops to get extra crispy chicken.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.
  • Serve on brioche buns with favorite sandwich fixings.

Notes

Optional Favorite Dipping Sauce: Ranch dressing, honey mustard sauce, spicy mayonnaise or homemade chick fil a sauce.

Optional Additional Toppings: Hot sauce, slice of cheese, shredded lettuce, Dijon or yellow mustard, sliced tomato or dill pickle slices. 

Optional Additional Flavors: Black pepper, garlic powder, teaspoon lemon juice and cayenne pepper. 

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or 6.8 quart air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 885kcal, Carbohydrates: 105g, Protein: 71g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 323mg, Sodium: 2820mg, Potassium: 1257mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 559IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 297mg, Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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