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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich Copycat Chick-fil-A Recipe

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A quick and easy homemade version of the classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, featuring crispy air-fried chicken breasts marinated in pickle juice and served on soft buttery buns with pickles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about ½-inch thickness
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
  • 2 soft, buttered sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Mayonnaise or preferred sandwich sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about ½-inch thickness (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, combine the dill pickle juice and milk (or buttermilk). Submerge the pounded chicken breasts and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder until evenly mixed (about 3 minutes).
  4. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl until smooth.
  5. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dip each piece first into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the flour gently onto the chicken to build a thick, even coating. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack or plate (about 10 minutes).
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer without touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and spray the other side. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crisp.
  8. While the chicken cooks, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a skillet or toaster. Spread a little butter on each side.
  9. Spread mayonnaise or preferred sauce on the buns. Layer on the crispy chicken, then add dill pickle slices. Top with the other bun half and gently press together.
  10. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Do not skip pounding the chicken for even cooking. Marinate in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes for authentic flavor and tenderness. Use powdered sugar in breading for a slightly sweet crust. Lightly spray oil on breaded chicken before air frying for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk plus apple cider vinegar and use dairy-free spread instead of mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A copycat, crispy chicken sandwich, easy chicken sandwich, quick dinner, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-sandwich-copycat-chick-fil-a-recipe-easy-and-perfect/