This Crispy Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a game changer! It brings together juicy chicken, a spicy coating, and a fresh bun for a meal that’s tasty and satisfying.
The air fryer makes the chicken crispy without all the oil—talk about a winner! I love adding pickles and my favorite sauce for that extra zing. You won’t want to stop at just one! 🍗🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich. If you’re looking to switch it up, you can use thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Buttermilk: This ingredient helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic the acidity.
Hot Sauce: The hot sauce in both the marinade and the mayo adds spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount or try a milder sauce like Frank’s RedHot.
Spices: The combination of spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne—gives the coating depth and flavor. You can mix these up or use a pre-made spice blend if you prefer.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy While Getting Crispy?
The key to juicy and crispy chicken lies in the marinating process. Marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only adds flavor but keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Coat the chicken well in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it on for a thicker, crispier layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each piece space for hot air to circulate.
- Cook until crispy and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
These steps will help you achieve that perfect balance of crunch and juiciness in your air fryer spicy chicken sandwich!
Crispy Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (plus extra for serving)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mist
For the Sandwich:
- 2 brioche sandwich buns, toasted
- ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 6-8 dill pickle slices
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crispy chicken sandwich requires about 30 minutes of marinating time, plus about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour from start to finish, making it a quick and flavorful meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) to ensure juicy and flavorful chicken.
2. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
3. Make the Coating:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. This will create a delicious, seasoned coating for the chicken.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray both sides of the coated chicken breasts with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is cooking, lightly toast the brioche buns until golden and warm. This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the bun from getting soggy.
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
To put it all together, spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on both the bottom and top buns. Place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, drizzle with extra hot sauce if you like it spicier, then add your pickles and shredded lettuce. Top with the other bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious crispy air fryer spicy chicken sandwich immediately! Enjoy every bite of that juicy, crunchy goodness!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and pounded to an even thickness for best cooking results. Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method to thaw more quickly.
How Can I Make the Sandwich Less Spicy?
If you’d like a milder version, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating and the hot sauce in the marinade and mayo. Alternatively, feel free to use a mild hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, to control the spice level.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the buns and lettuce should be consumed within 2 days for best quality.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. You could also coat the chicken and air-fry a few hours ahead, then reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore its crispiness before serving.
