Homemade Chick-fil-A Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich right in your kitchen! Having explored countless air fryer recipes over the past decade, I can confidently say that this recipe stands out. It’s not just a meal; it’s a revelation that dinner can be incredibly fast, packed with unparalleled flavor, and undeniably superior to anything you’d ever pick up from a drive-thru. Prepare yourself for a homemade chicken sandwich experience that will redefine your expectations.

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“I absolutely adored this recipe! This sandwich tasted exactly like Chick-fil-A, if not even better! It’s going to save me so much money being able to cook this at home.”
~April

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

Every exceptional sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients. For this Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich, we focus on components that deliver maximum flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this crispy, juicy masterpiece:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice for this sandwich. Their lean nature means they cook quickly, and when properly marinated, they retain incredible juiciness. Pounding them slightly to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and provides more surface area for that delicious crispy breading. This step also helps them fit perfectly on your favorite sandwich bun.
• Pickle Juice: This is truly the secret ingredient, directly inspired by famous fast-food chicken sandwiches! Pickle juice is not just for pickles; it’s a fantastic tenderizer that imparts a unique tanginess and a subtly salty, savory flavor that is instantly recognizable. The salt in pickle juice acts as a brining agent, helping the chicken absorb moisture and seasoning, ensuring every bite is succulent.
• Buttermilk: Working in harmony with the pickle juice, buttermilk further tenderizes the chicken, breaking down tough muscle fibers for an incredibly tender result. It also acts as a superb binder, helping the seasoned breading adhere perfectly to the chicken, creating a thick, crunchy crust. Beyond its functional role, buttermilk adds a delicate tangy richness that elevates the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential base of our golden, crispy coating. When seasoned correctly and lightly sprayed with oil, the flour transforms in the air fryer, mimicking the classic fried texture without the need for deep frying. It’s crucial for achieving that desirable crunch.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Powdered Sweetener (or sugar), Salt, and Pepper: This carefully crafted seasoning blend is incorporated directly into the flour, ensuring that every inch of the crust is bursting with flavor. Instead of a bland or merely salty coating, you get a complex, savory profile that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. The powdered sweetener is a key addition, providing a subtle balance to the savory notes, much like in popular fast-food chicken recipes.
• Cooking Oil: A light, even mist of cooking oil is non-negotiable for achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy crust in the air fryer. It helps activate the browning process and ensures the flour coating crisps up beautifully without becoming dry.
• Egg: Beaten egg acts as a vital bridge between the marinated chicken and the seasoned flour. It creates a sticky surface that allows the breading to cling securely during cooking, preventing it from falling off and contributing to a richer, more substantial crust.
• Buns: While a soft, buttery brioche bun is my personal favorite for its richness and texture, any good quality sandwich bun will serve as the perfect vessel for your air-fried chicken masterpiece. Consider lightly toasting them for an added layer of texture.

The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Brining and Marinating

Brining and marinating are not just extra steps; they are the cornerstone of a truly exceptional chicken sandwich. This process ensures your chicken stays incredibly juicy and flavorful from the very first bite to the last. It works by allowing the meat to absorb moisture and seasonings deeply into its fibers before cooking, resulting in tender, succulent chicken.

1. Prepare the Brine: In a large bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag, combine the pickle juice and buttermilk. Stir gently to ensure they are well mixed. This blend creates a powerful tenderizing and flavoring solution.
2. Submerge the Chicken: Add your chicken breasts to the mixture, making sure they are completely submerged. For optimal results, you might need to press them down gently or use a smaller container to ensure full coverage.
3. Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion: Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating for much longer than 8 hours, as the acidity can begin to break down the chicken too much.
4. Prepare for Breading: When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine. It’s crucial to pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is vital for ensuring the breading adheres properly and becomes wonderfully crispy, rather than soggy. Once patted dry, you are ready to proceed with the breading process.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Breading

The breading is what gives this Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich its irresistible crunch. After your chicken has finished its flavorful brine and has been thoroughly patted dry with paper towels (this is key to preventing a soggy crust!), it’s time to prepare it for air frying.

1. Egg Wash Dip: Take each chicken piece and dip it into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Lift the chicken and allow any excess egg to drip off. You want a thin, even layer of egg to act as a binder.
2. First Flour Dredge (Optional but recommended): For an extra thick and crispy crust, you can perform a quick first dredge in a small amount of unseasoned flour before the egg wash. This helps create more texture for the egg to cling to. However, the egg-then-seasoned-flour method is usually sufficient for a great crust.
3. Seasoned Flour Coating: Transfer the egg-coated chicken directly into your bowl of seasoned flour. Generously coat the chicken on all sides, gently pressing the flour onto the surface to ensure it sticks. Don’t be shy here – a good coating means a better crunch! Once coated, give it a gentle shake to remove any loose flour. This ensures a light, even coating without clumps.
4. Rest for Adhesion: For best results, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before air frying. This allows the breading to hydrate slightly and adhere more firmly to the chicken, reducing the chance of it falling off during cooking.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Sandwich

Creating this delicious, drive-thru-quality chicken sandwich in your air fryer is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and a wonderfully juicy interior, reminiscent of your favorite fast-food classic.

1. Initial Brine and Marinate: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bowl or a sealable bag. Pour in the pickle juice and buttermilk, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. Refrigerate this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a large, shallow bowl (wide enough to easily dredge the chicken), combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and powdered sweetener. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to create a uniformly seasoned breading mix.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, beat one egg. This will serve as an optional, but highly recommended, binder for the breading.
4. Preheat and Prep Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you bread the chicken.
5. Breading the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and buttermilk mixture, patting it very dry with paper towels. For the crispiest results and to help the breading stay intact, first dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately transfer the egg-coated chicken to the seasoned flour mixture, coating it completely on all sides. Gently press the flour onto the chicken to ensure maximum adhesion. (While the egg is optional, it significantly enhances the crust’s integrity and crispiness.)
6. Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
7. Initial Oil Spritz: Lightly spritz the top surface of the chicken with cooking oil, such as peanut oil. Spray from a distance of about 6-8 inches to get an even coating. This oil is crucial for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
8. First Air Fry Cycle: Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
9. Flip and Second Spritz: Open the air fryer basket. Carefully flip each chicken breast using tongs, being gentle to avoid disturbing the breading. At this point, the chicken may already be mostly cooked through. Lightly spritz the newly exposed side of the chicken with cooking oil.
10. Second Air Fry Cycle: Continue to air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Crucially, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
11. Monitor Your Air Fryer: Remember that air fryer models and brands can vary in cooking times and temperatures. Always monitor your chicken closely and adjust cooking times as needed to achieve your desired crispiness and ensure it’s fully cooked.
12. Toast Buns (Optional): For perfectly toasted buns, place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C) during the last few minutes of chicken cooking, or after the chicken is done.
13. Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer. Assemble your magnificent Air Fryer Chicken Sandwiches with your favorite buns, pickles, and any other desired toppings or homemade Chick-fil-A sauce. Enjoy!

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Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich (Chick-fil-A Copycat)

I’ve been sharing air fryer recipes for 10 years, and this air fryer chicken sandwich is proof that dinner can be fast, flavorful, and better than anything you’d grab from the drive-thru. It’s seasoned all the way through—from the marinade to the crispy breading. I use a blend of spices that gives the chicken real flavor, not just a salty crust. Every bite is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. I break everything down step-by-step, so even if you’ve never made a chicken sandwich before, you’re not going to mess this up.

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Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer Chick-fil-A, air fryer chicken sandwich, chick-fil-a-copycat

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Brine and Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Servings: 2 chicken sandwiches

Calories: 510 kcal

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Mine were 6-8oz each.
• 1 cup pickle juice
• ½ cup buttermilk See notes below for how to substitute buttermilk.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for the spicy chicken sandwich
• 1 egg beaten
• cooking oil I used peanut oil

Sandwich Toppings

• 2 buns I use brioche.
• 4 slices dill pickle chips
• 2 slices leaf lettuce Optional for deluxe sandwich.
• 4 slices fresh tomatoes Optional for deluxe sandwich.

Chick-fil-A Sauce

• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons BBQ Sauce hickory smoked
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum See substitution in the notes below.

Instructions

1. You can use a sealable bag or a large bowl to brine the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl or sealable bag along with the pickle juice and buttermilk. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Add the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sweetener to a large bowl, large enough to dredge the chicken. Stir to combine.
3. Add the egg to a bowl large enough to dredge the chicken.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge both breasts in the beaten egg and then the flour. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. (The use of the egg is optional and will help keep the breading intact on your sandwich. I often make this without using the egg).
6. Spritz the top of the chicken with peanut oil. Spray from a distance.
7. Air fry on 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
8. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Be careful with tongs. You don’t want to lose any of the breading on the chicken. Your chicken may be fully cooked at this point, and you may only need a couple of minutes to crisp this side of the chicken. Spritz this side of the chicken.
9. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is crisp. You should also use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
10. Every air fryer model and brand will cook at varying speeds. Monitor your results carefully and adjust as needed.
11. For toasted buns, toast the buns for 3-4 minutes on 400 degrees.
12. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and assemble the sandwich.

Chick-fil-A Sauce Instructions

• Combine the mayo, honey, BBQ sauce, and mustard in a bowl. (I often omit the mayo and still love the flavor. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your taste).
• Add the xanthan gum to a separate bowl along with 2 teaspoons of the sauce. Stir to thicken and add it to the bowl with the sauce.
• Stir to thicken.

Video

Watch our step-by-step video guide to see exactly how to prepare this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich, from brining the chicken to achieving the perfect crispy crust and assembling your masterpiece. Visual instructions make it even easier to follow along and master this recipe.

Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with ½ cup of regular milk in this recipe. If using milk, you will definitely need to use the beaten egg step for breading, as milk doesn’t offer the same binding properties as buttermilk. This method is actually similar to what Chick-fil-A uses! However, I find that buttermilk helps produce an even thicker, more robust crust. Use whichever method you prefer. If substituting, marinate and brine the chicken in pickle juice only. After 30 minutes, combine the beaten egg and milk, then dredge the chicken in this mixture before coating it in the seasoned flour.
• Breading Adhesion: If you’ve had issues with breading falling off in the past, always use the beaten egg wash before dredging in flour. This creates a sticky layer that helps the flour adhere much more effectively.
• Buttered Buns: For an authentic fast-food touch, consider buttering your buns before toasting them. This adds another layer of rich flavor and texture.
• Powdered vs. Granular Sweetener: Always opt for powdered sweetener (or powdered sugar) over granular. Powdered sweetener integrates seamlessly into the flour, resulting in a smoother, more uniform coating. Granular sweeteners can create a gritty texture and may not dissolve properly, affecting the crispiness.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener in the flour blend to match your personal taste preference. Some enjoy a slightly sweeter crust, while others prefer a more savory balance.
• Choosing Your Oil: I specifically recommend peanut oil for this recipe because it’s what Chick-fil-A famously uses, and it contributes significantly to that signature flavor. Peanut oil also has a high smoke point, which is ideal for air frying. If peanut oil isn’t available or preferred, good alternatives include avocado oil or olive oil. A light spray of oil is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture without deep frying.
• Salt Adjustment: Since pickle juice is inherently salty, I recommend starting with a lighter hand on the added salt in the flour mixture. You can always adjust it to taste after the chicken is cooked.
• Chicken Nuggets Option: This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily transform these chicken breasts into delicious, crispy nuggets by chopping the chicken into 1-2 inch chunks before brining and breading. Adjust air frying time accordingly (likely less time).
• Xanthan Gum Substitute: If you don’t have xanthan gum for the sauce, you can create a slurry by combining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water. Stir until smooth, then add it to the sauce and stir until thickened.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe
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Cosori Air Fryer

Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle

Air Fryer Parchment Paper

meat

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1 sandwich | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 14g

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Air Fryer Chicken

The type of cooking oil you use plays a significant role in both the flavor and crispiness of your air-fried chicken sandwich. Not all oils are created equal, especially when it comes to high-heat cooking methods like air frying. Making the right choice ensures a delicious, perfectly cooked result every time.

My top recommendation for this recipe is **peanut oil**. There’s a good reason for this choice: it’s what Chick-fil-A famously uses for their fried chicken, and I’ve found that it significantly contributes to achieving that distinctive, craveable flavor profile in your homemade version. Beyond taste, peanut oil boasts a high smoke point, which is crucial for air frying. A high smoke point means the oil can withstand the air fryer’s intense heat without breaking down, burning, or imparting off-flavors to your food. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.

During extensive recipe testing, I consistently observed that using peanut oil truly helps these sandwiches taste more like the beloved Chick-fil-A originals. The subtle nutty undertones and clean frying properties make it an excellent choice.

However, if peanut oil is not available or if you have allergies, you have excellent alternatives. **Avocado oil** is another fantastic option with an even higher smoke point than peanut oil, making it very stable for air frying. It has a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the chicken’s seasoning. **Olive oil**, particularly light or refined olive oil (as opposed to extra virgin, which has a lower smoke point), can also be used. While its smoke point is slightly lower than peanut or avocado oil, it still works well for the temperatures used in this recipe.

Regardless of the type, oil is absolutely essential if you want a truly crispy, breaded chicken breast. It helps the flour coating to brown and become wonderfully crunchy, giving your air-fried sandwich the texture typically associated with deep-fried chicken, but with far less fat. Remember, you don’t need to drench the chicken; a light, even spray or mist is all it takes to achieve that perfect crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips

Here are some common questions and expert tips to help you master your Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich and ensure delicious results every time.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce

No Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwich is complete without that iconic, sweet, and tangy dipping sauce. Recreating this beloved condiment at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. The blend of rich, creamy, sweet, and smoky notes truly elevates the entire sandwich experience.

To whip up your own batch of homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, you will need a few simple ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• Honey: Essential for that characteristic sweetness, balancing the tang and bringing a golden hue to the sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: A hickory smoked BBQ sauce is ideal here, as it adds depth, a touch of spice, and that unmistakable smoky flavor that makes the sauce so unique.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a sophisticated, slightly sharp and tangy kick, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
• Yellow Mustard: Offers a milder, more classic mustard tang, rounding out the mustard blend.
• Xanthan Gum (Optional): A small amount of xanthan gum can be used to achieve that perfect, slightly thicker consistency found in the original sauce. If you don’t have it, don’t worry – the sauce will still be delicious! (See notes in the recipe card for a cornstarch alternative).

Simply combine all these ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together until completely smooth and well-integrated. I often find myself enjoying the sauce even if I choose to omit the mayonnaise for a lighter version, and it’s still absolutely delicious! Feel free to adjust the quantities of honey or BBQ sauce to achieve your preferred balance of sweet and smoky.

Once mixed, cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This homemade sauce is not just fantastic on your Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich; it’s also wonderful with chicken nuggets, fries, or as a dipping sauce for almost anything!

You may also enjoy my Chick-fil-A Copycat Frosted Lemonade, Crispy Fish Sandwich and Smoked Fish Dip recipes.

More Irresistible Air Fryer Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of air frying through this chicken sandwich recipe, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is an incredibly versatile appliance that can transform a wide variety of dishes, making them healthier, crispier, and often faster to prepare. Explore these other popular air fryer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:

• Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken

From appetizers to main courses, these recipes demonstrate the air fryer’s ability to deliver crispy textures and deep flavors with minimal oil, making them perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive weekend spreads. Each one is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring your air fryer becomes your favorite kitchen appliance for creating flavorful dishes.

Delicious Recipes You Will Love

Beyond the world of air frying, there’s a vast collection of delicious recipes waiting to be discovered. If you enjoyed creating this homemade chicken sandwich, I’m confident you’ll love these other flavorful and satisfying dishes from my kitchen. Each recipe is crafted to bring joy to your taste buds and ease to your cooking routine, whether you’re looking for comforting classics or exciting new flavors. Dive in and find your next family favorite!