Easy Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuits

Have you ever tried to make a copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuit at home? It’s super easy to make in the air fryer and great for lunch or dinner!

The Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit works because of two things: the pickle juice brine and the double dredge. The brine is what gives Chick-fil-A chicken its distinctive tangy flavor — you’re not just seasoning the surface, you’re seasoning all the way through. One hour minimum, overnight if you have it. The double dredge (flour, then egg wash, then flour again) is what creates the thick, craggy coating that crisps up in the air fryer instead of the fryer.

The biscuits are up to you — this recipe calls for 4 biscuits without specifying homemade or store-bought. Pillsbury Grands work perfectly and honestly get you closer to the actual Chick-fil-A experience than homemade biscuits would, since that’s essentially what a biscuit-focused fast food chain is doing behind the scenes. If you want to make them from scratch, go for it — the chicken is the star here either way.

One flag before you start: the sodium on this recipe runs high (around 2,461mg per serving) mostly from the brine. If that’s a concern, reduce the pickle juice slightly or choose a lower-sodium pickle brand. The brine time is what matters most, not the exact sodium content of the liquid.

The Chick-fil-A sauce and frosted lemonade recipes pair well with these — the sauce especially, since the actual sandwich at Chick-fil-A is typically served with it on the side.

What ingredients do you need for these air fryer chick-fil-a chicken biscuits?

• 2 large chicken breasts 
• 1 cup of pickle juice  
• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup flour 
• 1 cup cornstarch  
• 1 teaspoon pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon paprika  
• 1 teaspoon chili powder  
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar  
• 1 egg 
• 1/4 cup milk 
• 4 biscuits  

Pickle juice (1 cup): The brine that makes this taste like Chick-fil-A rather than a generic chicken sandwich. Use the liquid from any jar of dill pickles — the brand doesn’t matter much. The pickle flavor mellows significantly during cooking; what stays is the tang and the tenderizing effect on the meat.

Cornstarch (1 cup, equal to the flour): This is the ingredient that makes the coating crispy rather than just thick. Cornstarch doesn’t absorb oil the way flour does, so the coating stays light and crunchy in the air fryer. Don’t reduce it.

Double dredge (flour → egg → flour): Three coats is what creates the thick, craggy exterior you’re trying to replicate. One coat produces a thin, flat breading. The double flour coat is non-negotiable for the right texture.

Cooking oil spray: Essential in an air fryer for browning. Without it, the coating stays pale and chalky. Spray generously before cooking and again when you flip.

4 biscuits: Store-bought (Pillsbury Grands or similar) works well and is the most convenient. Homemade buttermilk biscuits are a genuinely good upgrade if you have the time.

How do you make them?

1. Trim the excess skin from the chicken breast and cut them in half.  
2. Place the chicken in bowl or storage bag with the pickle juice and water. Let sit for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor. 
3. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, sugar and spices. Mix well. 
4. In another mixing bowl, which the egg with the milk.  
5. Remove each fillet of chicken from the pickle juice and dredge through the flour mixture. Dredge it again in the egg wash and the once more in the flour mixture. 
6. Once chicken is breaded, add the chicken to the air fryer basket on a piece of parchment. Spray with oil and cook at 380°f for 16-18 minutes, gently flipping halfway. Cook until chicken reaches and internal temp of 165° and the breading is crispy and golden.  
7. Remove the fillets and let them rest. 
8. Add the fillets onto the biscuits and enjoy.  
9. You can butter your biscuits, add jelly and or honey.  

Where can you serve these biscuits?

These delicious Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuits are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They can be enjoyed by themselves, with a side of fries and ketchup, in a wrap or on top of salads. It is also great for potlucks and parties as it can easily be served in bite size pieces. You can even serve these chicken minis as a breakfast sandwich on your breakfast menu.

FAQs

Can you make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuits ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

If you are looking for more fun dinner recipes be sure to check out this comprehensive list! Easy and Tasty Dinner Ideas For The Whole Family

Here are some more delish Chick Fil A recipes to try: