Air Fryer Chicken: Crispy, Golden Perfection?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken sandwiches, offering a lighter, healthier, and quicker option without sacrificing the crunch and flavour. The secret to a juicy fried chicken sandwich is to brine the chicken in pickle juice, buttermilk, or a combination of both. A three-step breading technique is then used, coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. The chicken is then air-fried for around 15 minutes, resulting in a crispy, juicy, and tender sandwich.

How to brine chicken for a juicy sandwich

Brining your chicken is a great way to ensure your chicken sandwich is juicy and flavourful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brine chicken for a delicious, juicy sandwich.

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

Firstly, you will need to make the brine. A simple brine can be made with pickle juice, buttermilk, salt and sugar. You can also add in other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken

Place your chicken in a glass or ceramic dish and pour the brine over it, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. The chicken should be left to brine for at least one hour, but for best results, leave it for up to 18 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished brining, remove it from the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels. You can now continue with your chosen recipe, coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy coating, add a tablespoon of the brining liquid to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
• For a thicker crust, use buttermilk instead of a mixture of egg and milk.
• For extra juicy chicken, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before brining. This will help the chicken cook evenly.
• For a healthier option, you can bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil.

The best oils for frying chicken

Frying chicken is a popular cooking method, but choosing the right oil is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a juicy interior. When selecting a frying oil, there are three main factors to consider: flavour transfer, smoke point, and the flavour of the oil. You'll want an oil with minimal flavour transfer, a high smoke point for high-heat frying, and a neutral flavour that won't overpower the chicken and its seasoning. Here are some of the best oils for frying chicken:

Canola Oil

Canola oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it an excellent choice for frying chicken. It also contains high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids while being low in saturated fats, making it a healthier option than some other oils. Canola oil is a versatile choice that can also be used for frying fish.

Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening is a solid fat commonly used for frying chicken, particularly in the South. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for achieving a crispy, golden-brown finish. This solid fat melts as it heats up, and it is a popular substitute for oil when frying chicken.

Lard

Lard, like vegetable shortening, is traditionally used in Southern-style fried chicken recipes. It gives your chicken a rich, savoury flavour and an unparalleled crispy crust. Lard is a great choice for frying chicken, but it may be less popular in commercial kitchens due to its high price point and potential to cause reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is known for its high smoke point and nutty flavour. It adds a unique taste to fried chicken and prevents flavour transfer, making it ideal for establishments serving multiple fried foods. However, peanut oil may be less popular in commercial kitchens due to its high price point and potential allergen concerns.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid and healthy fats, making it a healthier option for deep frying than some other oils. It is also odourless and lightly flavoured, adding a hint of sweetness while preventing flavour transfer. Coconut oil is a great choice for those seeking a health-conscious alternative with a light sweetness.

How to make a crunchy coating

To make a crunchy coating for your chicken sandwich, you'll use a classic three-step breading technique. First, coat the chicken with flour, then dip it into an egg mixture, and finally into breadcrumbs.

Step 1: Coat the chicken with flour

Pat your chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix flour with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dip your chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Dip the chicken into an egg mixture

In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, mustard, pickle juice, and seasonings. Dip the floured chicken into this mixture, letting any excess drip off.

Step 3: Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs

Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. You can use regular breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs, depending on your desired texture. Panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier, lighter coating, while regular breadcrumbs will create a more cohesive outer layer. Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, gently pressing to adhere.

Optional: Double dredge for an extra crunchy coating

For an even crunchier coating, you can double dredge the chicken by repeating the process. Simply dip the chicken back into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off again, and then give it a final coat of breadcrumbs.

Tips for a crunchier coating:

• Use a blend of flour and cornstarch or potato starch to create a crispier texture.
• Add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour to weaken the gluten structure, resulting in a crispier and tender coating.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to better adhere to the meat and makes the air fryer basket more non-stick.
• Generously spray or brush the chicken with oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to ensure an evenly crispy coating.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray or brush with more oil for even browning and crispness.

The best toppings for a chicken sandwich

There are many toppings that can be added to a chicken sandwich to elevate its taste and texture. Here are some of the best toppings to create a delicious and satisfying chicken sandwich:

Lettuce

Lettuce is a classic topping for any sandwich, and it is especially important for a fried chicken sandwich. The crispness and freshness of lettuce help to balance out the fried breading, providing a light and refreshing contrast. You can choose between iceberg lettuce, which is crisper, or romaine lettuce, which has a bit more flavour.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes add freshness to a chicken sandwich, but it is important to ensure they are ripe and added just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Onions

Onions are an essential sandwich topping, adding a distinctive bite. Red onions are a popular choice, but you can also use sweet onions or sautéed shallots for a milder flavour. If you like the taste of onions but prefer a milder option, try soaking them in water before adding them to your sandwich.

Cheese

Cheese is a great way to add flavour and indulgence to a chicken sandwich. Some of the best cheeses to use include American cheese, mozzarella, gouda, provolone, and asiago. You can either add a fresh slice or melt the cheese for a more decadent option.

Pickles

Pickles are a classic chicken sandwich topping and can be found at popular chicken joints like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. They provide a juicy, briny contrast to the crispy, fatty fried chicken.

Sauce

A sauce is essential to bringing your chicken sandwich together. While mayo and mustard are standard options, you can also try barbecue sauce, buffalo chicken sauce, pesto, horseradish cream, garlic sauce, or even a homemade salsa. If you want something with a kick, try sriracha mayo or hot sauce.

Bacon

Bacon adds a crunchy, indulgent element to a chicken sandwich, especially when paired with fresher ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Just be sure to cook it to perfection to avoid sogginess.

Spicy Mayo

If you want to add a little kick to your sandwich, try spreading on some spicy mayo. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking and even add other ingredients like garlic paste, herbs, or a touch of sugar.

Potato Chips

For an extra crunchy texture and a saltier flavour profile, try adding potato chips to your chicken sandwich. Just be sure to add them right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Jalapeños

If you like a little heat, jalapeños are a great option. You can use fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for a milder flavour. Cut them into rings or mince them to create a pepper salsa situation.

BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a classic pairing with chicken, especially if you're using a grilled chicken patty. Drizzle it on the bun or glaze the chicken for a more intense flavour.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard adds sweetness and complexity to your chicken sandwich. Depending on the brand, the sweetness levels can range from subtle to very sweet, so choose according to your preference.

How to make a spicy chicken sandwich

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Spices (e.g. cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper)
• Vegetable/Canola/Peanut/Olive/Avocado oil for frying
• Butter/Butter spray
• Mayonnaise
• Hot sauce
• Bread and butter pickles
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Brioche buns

Method:

• Prepare your chicken breasts by cutting them into portions. Cover with plastic wrap and pound them down with a mallet/tenderizer to ensure they are an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly.
• Make your dry and wet mixtures in separate bowls. The dry mixture should include flour and spices. The wet mixture should include whisked eggs, hot sauce, and water.
• If you want to add extra spice to your sandwich, you can add cayenne pepper to the dry mixture, or stir hot sauce into the wet mixture.
• Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then coat them in the dry mixture, followed by the wet mixture, and then the dry mixture again. Repeat this dredging process for a thicker coating.
• If you are frying your chicken, heat oil in a deep fryer, cast iron pot, or heavy-bottomed frying pan to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fry or air fry your chicken for around 8-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are pan-frying, cook for 4-6 minutes on each side.
• Drain the excess oil from the chicken by placing it on a cooling rack or paper towel.
• Prepare your brioche buns by toasting them in a pan over medium heat with butter or butter spray.
• Make spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise and hot sauce to taste.
• Assemble your sandwich by spreading the spicy mayo on the bun, then adding the fried chicken, pickles, lettuce, and tomato.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra spice, you can toss your chicken in hot sauce before assembling your sandwich.
• You can also add extra toppings such as cheese, potato chips, or a slice of tomato.

Frequently asked questions