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Crispy Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Spicy Pickle Brine

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A crispy, juicy Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwich made in the air fryer with a spicy pickle brine for a perfect tangy kick and crunchy crust without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally for thinner fillets)
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
  • 4 soft brioche buns, lightly toasted (butter optional)
  • Spicy pickles, thinly sliced
  • Optional: lettuce, tomato slices, or cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spicy pickle brine by whisking together dill pickle juice, water, sugar, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika until sugar dissolves. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour brine over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
  2. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. Slice each breast horizontally into two thinner fillets about ½ inch thick. Pound to even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
  5. Dip each chicken fillet into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat the egg wash and flour dredging for extra crispiness. Place coated fillets on a plate.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
  7. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flip, then cook another 7-9 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While chicken cooks, lightly butter and toast the brioche buns until golden.
  9. Assemble the sandwich by placing cooked chicken on the bottom bun, topping with spicy pickle slices, optional lettuce or tomato, then the top bun.

Notes

Let chicken rest a couple of minutes after air frying to keep juices locked in. Double dredge for extra crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk in egg wash and dairy-free buns. Reheat chicken in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwich, air fryer chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, spicy pickle brine, homemade chicken sandwich, quick chicken sandwich

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-air-fryer-chick-fil-a-chicken-sandwich-recipe-with-spicy-pickle-brine-step-by-step/