Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making a chicken sandwich in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a fried chicken sandwich. The air fryer helps to create a crispy, crunchy texture without the need for deep frying. The key to a juicy and tender sandwich is to brine the chicken in a combination of pickle juice and buttermilk. This adds flavour to the chicken and helps to keep it moist. The chicken is then coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, and coated again in the flour mixture before being placed in the air fryer. The air fryer should be preheated to around 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chicken is cooked for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness. To assemble the sandwich, the chicken is placed on a bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a sauce such as mayonnaise, hot sauce, or mustard.

Chicken brining

Choose the Right Brine:

Use a combination of pickle juice and buttermilk for brining the chicken. The pickle juice, usually from a jar of dill pickles, adds a unique flavour to the chicken while also helping to tenderize it. The buttermilk helps produce a nice, thick breading and keeps the chicken moist.

Prepare the Chicken:

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can use thin-sliced chicken breasts or slice thicker breasts in half to create thinner cutlets. Place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag or a large bowl.

Brine the Chicken:

Pour the buttermilk and pickle juice over the chicken. If you want a stronger pickle flavour, you can let the chicken soak in the pickle juice for a couple of hours before adding the buttermilk. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours. This brining process will infuse the chicken with flavour and moisture.

Bread the Chicken:

After brining, it's time to bread the chicken. Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg (or just the egg white). The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, preferably Panko, with additional flour, Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and MSG (optional). First, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture.

Rest and Cook:

Let the breaded chicken rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help the breading adhere. Then, transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 390-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Brining the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk is the key to achieving juicy, flavourful chicken for your air fryer sandwich. This process, combined with a well-seasoned breading, will result in a delicious and crispy chicken sandwich that rivals any fast-food version.

Breading

Firstly, prepare three separate mixtures: a flour mixture, an egg mixture, and a breadcrumb mixture. The flour mixture can include all-purpose flour, cornstarch or potato starch, and seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The egg mixture is typically a combination of whisked eggs, egg whites, or egg yolks with buttermilk, milk, or pickle juice. The breadcrumb mixture consists of breadcrumbs, preferably fine breadcrumbs for a more cohesive outer layer, and can also include cornstarch and additional flour. You may also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for an extra crunchy kick.

Now, for the breading process:

• Start by coating the chicken with the flour mixture. Ensure that the chicken is dry before dipping it into the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Allow any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. You can repeat this process a second time, starting with the flour mixture, for a thicker breading.
• Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps the breading stick to the chicken and makes the air fryer basket more non-stick.

Once your air fryer is preheated and ready to go, generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Carefully place the chicken in the basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil to ensure even cooking and browning.

Now, you're ready to air fry your chicken to golden perfection!

Air frying

Brining the Chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken by trimming any fat and cutting the breasts into equal portions. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken until it is around 1/2-inch thick. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Next, brine the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and pickle juice. The pickle juice will add flavor and help tenderize the chicken. You can brine for as little as 30 minutes, but for extra flavor, leave the chicken to brine for up to eight hours or even overnight.

Battering the Chicken

After brining, it's time to batter the chicken. You will need three separate mixtures: flour and seasonings; whisked eggs; and a combination of breadcrumbs, flour, and parmesan cheese.

Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, and finally, back into the flour mixture. For an extra crispy texture, repeat this process, finishing with the breadcrumbs, flour, and parmesan cheese mixture.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the battered chicken inside the basket, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil to wet the coating and ensure there are no dry spots.

Air fry for around 15-22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F.

Assembling the Sandwich

Place the chicken on the bottom half of a brioche bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices, and spread mayonnaise, spicy mayo, or sriracha mayo on the cut side of the top bun. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

Toppings

Lettuce, Tomato, and Pickles

A classic combination for a reason, the crispness of lettuce and the juiciness of tomato slices provide a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken. Pickles, whether dill or bread-and-butter, add a tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Spicy Mayonnaise

If you like a bit of heat, a spicy mayonnaise can be a delicious spread for your sandwich. You can make your own by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce, such as Cholula or Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, or even stirring in some cayenne pepper.

Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese

A slice of melted cheese can take your sandwich to the next level. Cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavour, while pepper jack adds a kick of spice.

Potato Chips

For an indulgent twist, try adding a layer of potato chips to your sandwich. The crunch and saltiness of the chips complement the other textures and flavours in the sandwich.

Brioche Bun

While not technically a topping, the type of bun you use can make a big difference. A toasted brioche bun adds a touch of sweetness and a buttery flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your perfect air fryer chicken sandwich!

Sides

While the chicken sandwich is the star of the show, you'll want to serve it with some delicious sides to make a full meal. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your air fryer chicken sandwich:

• Fries: Whether you go for classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or truffle fries, they're a perfect match for your sandwich. You can also cook them in the air fryer!
• Onion Rings: Crispy, crunchy onion rings are a great side to add some variety to your meal.
• Chips/Crisps: Go for a bag of your favourite potato chips or crisps for an easy, no-fuss side.
• Salad: If you want something a little healthier, a fresh green salad will balance out your meal. You could even add some chicken to it!
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish for a sandwich.
• Potato Wedges: Hearty and satisfying, potato wedges are a great option if you want something more filling.
• Cauliflower Rice Balls: For something a little different, try making some cauliflower rice balls as a side.

Frequently asked questions