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

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

This crispy air fryer chicken sandwich is a delicious and easy meal that packs flavor and crunch!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Mine were 6-8oz each)
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 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)
  • 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)
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons BBQ Sauce (hickory smoked)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum

Instructions

  1. Brine the chicken by adding the chicken breasts to a 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.
  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. Your chicken may be fully cooked at this point.
  9. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is crisp, ensuring an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
  10. For toasted buns, toast the buns for 3-4 minutes on 400 degrees.
  11. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and assemble the sandwich.
  12. Combine the mayo, honey, BBQ sauce, and mustard in a bowl. Adjust to fit your taste.
  13. 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.
  14. Stir to thicken.

Notes

  • To substitute buttermilk, mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
  • The egg is optional; it helps keep the breading intact.
  • Every air fryer model and brand may cook at varying speeds, monitor carefully.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg