If you haven’t planned meals this week, stop and try this Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich copycat recipe right away. It’s that good.
You might not expect these copycat Chick-fil-A sandwiches to be made in an air fryer, but they are juicy, flavorful, and have a satisfyingly crisp coating. With a buttery brioche bun and a lighter approach to frying, these taste every bit as craveable as the original—and are a healthier option. Plan for seconds: everyone will want more.
As a lifelong Chick-fil-A fan, I wanted the same comforting flavor without deep frying at home. This recipe was the result: an air-fried version that captures the signature sweet brine, crunchy coating, and tender chicken that make the sandwich so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich
- Lighter Take on the iconic chicken sandwich by using an air fryer and just a light spritz of oil.
- No Deep Frying Required — you don’t need to heat large amounts of oil; an air fryer keeps things tidy and quicker to finish.
- Full Flavor — well-seasoned brine and coating deliver the sweet-and-savory profile you expect.
- Signature Sweetness — sugar in the brine and coating adds the hint of sweetness characteristic of the sandwich.
- Surprisingly Crunchy — the air fryer produces an impressive crunch and texture that rivals frying.
Key Ingredients
Below are the main ingredients needed for this healthier copycat of a Chick-fil-A sandwich. Exact measurements appear in the recipe card further down.
Chicken breasts or cutlets
Pickle juice
Buttermilk
Milk
Egg
All-purpose flour
Granulated and powdered sugar
Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Peanut oil (for spritzing or frying)
Brioche buns and butter
Toppings – dill pickle slices; for a Deluxe version add cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
How to Make Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Whisk together the pickle juice, buttermilk, and seasonings in a medium bowl. Submerge the prepared chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to develop flavor and tenderize.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish combine the flour, powdered sugar, and dry seasonings. In a separate bowl whisk the milk and egg until smooth. (If you choose to pan-fry instead of air-frying, heat 5–6 cups of oil in a skillet to 350°F.)
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, dip into the milk-and-egg mixture, then press into the flour mixture so the coating adheres on all sides. For extra crunch, double-dip by returning to the egg mixture and then back into the flour. Shake off excess.
Step 4: Air Fry or Pan Fry
Air Frying: Arrange coated chicken in an air fryer basket sprayed with oil. Lightly spritz or brush the tops of each piece with peanut oil. Cook at 400°F for 4–5 minutes, flip, spritz again, and cook another 4–5 minutes until golden and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Pan Frying: Fry a few pieces at a time in hot oil for about 3–4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a rack to keep the coating crisp.
Step 5: Assemble Sandwiches
Lightly toast the brioche buns with a little butter. Layer pickles on the bottom bun, add the cooked chicken, and top with the bun. For a Deluxe sandwich, add lettuce, tomato, and cheese as desired.
Looking for the Spicy Chick-fil-A Sandwich?
If you want a spicy version, use a spiced flour mix and add cayenne or hot paprika to the breading. A spicy copycat air fryer Chick-fil-A sandwich delivers a fiery, crunchy twist on this classic.
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Nuggets
I also made an air fryer version of Chick-fil-A nuggets if you prefer bite-sized pieces. The same brine and coating technique adapts well to nuggets for a crunchy, juicy result.
My Favorite Tools for This Recipe
I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich copycat. Leave a comment if you have questions or feedback—your results make my day!
If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @BadBatchBaking for a chance to be featured.
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Sandwich Copycat Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts pounded to 1/4″ even thickness and halved
- peanut oil enough for frying or spritzing
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- toppings: dill pickle slices optionally: green leaf lettuce, tomato and cheese
- 1/4 cup butter for buttering buns
Chicken Brine
- 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
Wet Chicken Coating
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
Dry Flour 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
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
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Combine pickle juice, buttermilk, and seasonings in a medium bowl. Submerge the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare Coating
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Mix the flour, powdered sugar, and seasonings in a shallow dish. Whisk milk and egg in a separate bowl until smooth. If pan-frying, heat oil to 350°F.
Step 3: Coat Chicken
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Remove chicken from brine, dip in the egg-milk mixture, then press into the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Double-dip for extra crunch and shake off excess flour.
Step 4: Cook
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Air Frying: Place chicken in a sprayed air fryer basket and spritz the tops with peanut oil. Cook at 400°F for 4–5 minutes, flip, spritz again, and cook another 4–5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Pan Frying: Fry in hot oil 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Drain on a cooling rack.
Step 5: Assemble
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Toast buns with butter, layer pickles on the bottom bun, add the chicken, and top with the bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and cheese for a Deluxe sandwich.