Name: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with a Flavored Coating Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 4 hamburger buns; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Pickle slices

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Introduction

This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich offers a crispy, flavorful coating with tender, perfectly cooked chicken inside. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic sandwich with a spicy twist from homemade mayo. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

A close-up of a chicken sandwich on a white plate with fries on the side, set against a white marbled surface. The sandwich has four main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, slightly toasted bun; on top of that is a fresh green leaf of lettuce with bright red tomato slices above it; the third layer is a thick, grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown crust; above the chicken is a creamy sauce with some pickle slices, and the top layer is a shiny, golden bun slightly domed. Another similar sandwich is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons hot sauce
4 hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow dish, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
Step 2: In a separate dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Step 6: While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise and hot sauce in a small bowl to create a spicy mayo.
Step 7: Toast the hamburger buns in the air fryer for a few minutes until lightly golden and warm.
Step 8: Assemble each sandwich by layering lettuce, tomato, pickles, spicy mayo, and the air-fried chicken on the toasted buns. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping back into buttermilk and then flour again before air frying.
Swap hot sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Add sliced cheese to the sandwich just before serving for a melty texture.
Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich shows three main layers inside a soft, shiny golden brown bun. The bottom layer has shredded, light-green lettuce spread unevenly with some pieces falling outside the sandwich. Above the lettuce is a crispy, breaded fried chicken patty with a rough, crunchy orange-brown coating. On top of the chicken, a light pink creamy sauce drips over the edge. The sandwich sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface with a textured orange and white cloth nearby. In the background, slightly blurred, is a small bowl holding sliced red tomatoes and another bowl with more sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper coating adherence in the air fryer.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade version works well for marinating.