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Chick-fil-A Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Deluxe

Chick-fil-A Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Deluxe - recipe card
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This copycat recipe delivers the signature spicy, crunchy chicken fillet with a juicy, tender center—all made in your air fryer for a lighter, crispy finish. The pickles and buttery bun complete the classic Deluxe experience, giving you that crave-worthy flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle brine
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb total), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • Cooking oil spray (avocado or canola)
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 4 slices dill pickle
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 4 leaves green leaf lettuce

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup pickle brine, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Submerge the 4 chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. For the breading, in a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until evenly blended.
  3. In another shallow dish, beat the 2 large eggs with 1/4 cup buttermilk until smooth. Set up a dredging station: marinated chicken, flour mixture, egg mixture, and a clean plate for the breaded fillets.
  4. Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat all sides. Shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick, craggy coating. This double-coating is key for a crunchy crust that adheres well.
  5. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating set, preventing it from sliding off during air frying.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
  7. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up.
  8. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and spraying the other side with oil. The chicken is done when the coating is deep golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
  9. While the chicken cooks, toast the brioche buns in a toaster or in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. This adds buttery flavor and a sturdy base for the sandwich.
  10. To assemble, place a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of tomato and a slice of dill pickle. Add the hot chicken fillet on top.
  11. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top bun (optional) and place over the chicken. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
  12. If making ahead, keep the cooked chicken in a single layer on a wire rack in a 200°F (93°C) oven for up to 30 minutes to stay warm until serving.

Notes

Storage: Store breaded and cooked chicken, separated from buns and toppings, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, freeze the breaded raw chicken (before air frying) on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken in the air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for 4-6 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it will soggy the coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A copycat, spicy chicken sandwich, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, chicken deluxe, fast food copycat, easy dinner, pickled chicken, buttermilk chicken, homemade sandwich

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/chick-fil-a-air-fryer-spicy-chicken-deluxe/