Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak

Craving that crispy, golden goodness from Cracker Barrel? This Copycat Chicken Fried Steak brings all the down-home flavor right to your kitchen—tender steak, crunchy coating, and creamy gravy that’ll have you licking your plate clean!

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food you can make right at home. It features tender cube steak, seasoned and breaded to perfection, then air-fried until golden and crispy.

Topped with a rich and creamy country gravy, it captures all the cozy, down-home flavor of the classic Cracker Barrel favorite.

Whether you’re serving it for a hearty dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish brings all the Southern charm to your table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection – The breading fries up golden and crunchy, just like the original!
• Rich, Creamy Gravy – Homemade country gravy takes this dish over the top.
• Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients right from your pantry.
• Family Favorite – A comforting, hearty meal that everyone at the table will love.
• Restaurant Quality at Home – Skip the trip and enjoy that classic Cracker Barrel flavor anytime!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients

• Cube steaks: Tenderized beef steaks perfect for breading and air frying.
• Saltine crackers: Crushed saltines add crisp, salty coating texture.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the seasoning blend.
• Black pepper: Adds bold, aromatic heat to the coating.
• Cayenne pepper: Provides a subtle kick of spicy heat.
• Flour: Forms the base for the crispy breading.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and helps coating stick well.
• Milk: Creamy base for making the country gravy.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the gravy.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak

​Step One: Pat cube steaks dry with paper towels. In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. In another bowl mix flour, seasoned salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step Two: Dip steak into flour mix, then into the buttermilk/egg, then back into the flour mix again. Press the coating on well for that classic crispy crust.

Chill (optional but helpful) Let coated steaks rest on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes to help the breading stick better during air frying.

Step Three: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3–5 minutes. Spray the basket and both sides of the steak with cooking spray. Air fry at 400 degrees F set cook time for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temp of 145°F–160°F depending on preference.

Step Four: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Tips

• Tenderize the Steak: If your cube steaks aren’t already tenderized, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to ensure they’re nice and tender. This is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Let the Breading Set: After coating the steaks in the flour mixture, let them rest for 10–15 minutes before air frying. This helps the breading stick better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
• Season the Flour: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Make sure to season the flour mixture with enough salt, pepper, and spices to infuse flavor into every bite.
• Use Buttermilk for Flavor: Buttermilk gives the steaks a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.

• Air Fryer Temps Vary: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so make sure to check your steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You want it to be 145°F–160°F depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Spray with Oil: For an even, crispy coating, make sure to spray both the steak and the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps create a golden, crispy crust without the extra grease.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryer baskets have limited space, so cook your chicken fried steak in batches if needed. Overcrowding can prevent the steak from crisping up properly.
• Make the Gravy While Steaks Cook: If you’re making the classic white gravy, start it in a pan while the steaks are cooking. That way, everything will be ready to serve at the same time!
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken fried steak right after cooking. The coating is crispiest when it’s fresh out of the air fryer.

Storing

• Storing: Allow the chicken fried steak to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: For freezing, place the steaks on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date, and they will keep in the freezer for 2–3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 8–12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, use the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, removing foil in the last few minutes to crisp the coating.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular steaks instead of cube steaks? Cube steaks are the best choice because they’re already tenderized and ideal for frying. However, if you don’t have cube steaks, you can use another cut like round steaks or sirloin, but you may need to tenderize them yourself.

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk? Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it.

How do I make the gravy for the chicken fried steak? For a classic white gravy, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken fried steaks by breading them and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the breaded steaks for later cooking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your breading and seasonings are also gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken fried steak crispy when reheating? To maintain the crispiness, reheat the steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-12 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the coating to stay crispy.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

cracker barrel carrot recipe

cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie

air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese

broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)

air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits

air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples

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