Air Fryer Chick Fil: 7 Steps to Crispy Perfection

This Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich Copycat Recipe delivers the iconic juicy, crispy chicken sandwich experience at home with a healthier twist.

Scale

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
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
1 cup milk
1 egg
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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness and then halving each breast.
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.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg to form a batter for dipping the chicken.
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, dip it into the milk and egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. Double-dip for maximum crispiness if desired.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Lightly spritz the coated chicken pieces with peanut oil or brush a thin layer. Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the chicken cooks, toast the brioche buns in a skillet or toaster. Spread melted butter on the cut sides while warm.
Place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, add dill pickle slices and any optional toppings. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.