Copper-catalyzed synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-carboxylates through oxidative amination of C(sp³)–H bonds under mild aerobic conditions with broad substrate scope is described. Use of naturally abundant air as the sole oxidant was found to be efficient and selective. The present protocol is also applicable for direct synthesis of functionalized imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines from amino acid derivatives.