Air-Fried Chicken Sandwich: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a chicken sandwich in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken sandwiches. The air fryer cuts back on the fat and oil used in the cooking process, making it a great option for those who want to indulge without compromising their health. The key to achieving that deep-fried, crispy texture lies in the breading—adding a bit of milk to the flour mixture creates clumps that mimic the thicker batter. For an extra crunchy bite, toast the breadcrumbs before breading the chicken.

The chicken is typically brined in a combination of pickle juice and buttermilk, which not only adds flavour but also helps lock in moisture. This process can be skipped if using kosher chicken, as they are already brined. The chicken is then coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, and finally, coated in the clumpy flour mixture again. The chicken is then placed in the air fryer basket, sprayed with oil, and cooked for around 12-20 minutes at 380-400°F.

To assemble the sandwich, a soft bun, such as brioche or potato roll, is buttered and toasted. The sandwich is then stacked with the cooked chicken, pickles, and a sauce of choice—from spicy mayo to hot sauce and mustard.

Chicken brining: soak chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk for a few hours or overnight

Chicken brining is a great way to lock in moisture and keep the chicken juicy and tender. The pickle brine also adds a subtle tanginess and a hint of pickle flavour to the chicken.

To brine the chicken, start by trimming and pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Then, cut the breasts in half horizontally to get four thinner pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziploc bag and cover with pickle juice. You can also add buttermilk to the brine, which will help produce a nice, thick breading. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the brine, the more flavour it will have. However, do not brine for longer than 24 hours, as this can alter the texture of the chicken.

After brining, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper before continuing with the rest of the recipe.

Breading station: coat chicken in flour, egg and breadcrumbs

To make a chicken sandwich in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare a breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This process will ensure your chicken is coated evenly and has a delicious crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide:

• Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional for a spicier sandwich). Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
• Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and a small amount of milk or buttermilk. You can also add a bit of mustard or hot sauce to this mixture for extra flavour.
• Prepare the breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or get creative with crushed cornflakes or other crunchy alternatives.
• Coat the chicken: First, dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken completely in the breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the surface to ensure they adhere.
• Double-coat for extra crunch (optional): For an even thicker and crunchier coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again.
• Prepare for air frying: Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush both sides of the chicken with cooking oil. This step will help create a golden, crispy exterior.

Now your chicken is ready to be air-fried! Follow the instructions from your air fryer for the best results, adjusting the temperature and timing as needed for your specific model.

Air fryer temperature: cook chicken at 380-400F for 12-24 minutes

When making a chicken sandwich in an air fryer, the temperature and timing are crucial to achieving the desired level of crispiness and juiciness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for cooking chicken at 380-400°F for 12-24 minutes:

Air Fryer Temperature and Timing:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature of 380-400°F. This temperature range will give your chicken a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (around 4-5 oz), cook for 10-12 minutes. For medium breasts (6-8 oz), increase the cooking time to 13-15 minutes. Larger breasts (9-12 oz and above) may require up to 16-20 minutes.
• It is important to note that these timings are approximate and may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the number of chicken breasts being cooked. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• For even cooking and to prevent overcooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures that all parts of the meat cook evenly.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if you have a large quantity.
• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can enhance its flavour and juiciness. A brine can be as simple as sprinkling salt over the meat and letting it rest for 30 minutes, or you can try a wet brine with a saltwater solution. For added flavour, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing or a mixture of your choice.
• After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This helps retain the juices and ensures your chicken stays nice and juicy.

Assemble sandwich: add toppings such as mayo, mustard, lettuce and pickles to a bun

Now it's time to assemble your chicken sandwich! Grab your buns and add your choice of toppings. Spread a generous amount of mayo and mustard on the bun. You can also add a little butter to the bun and toast it on a skillet for a little extra flavour.

Next, layer on some lettuce. Finely shredded lettuce or angel hair coleslaw is best so that you can still get a good bite with all the toppings. Top with some pickles or dill pickle chips. You can also add some freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

Finally, place the chicken on the sandwich. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can add some cheese, bacon, or extra hot sauce. Place the top bun on and your sandwich is ready to eat!

Storage: store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days

To store leftover chicken in the fridge, use an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is cooled to room temperature, then place it in the container and store it in the fridge. It should last for up to 5 days.

Leftover cooked chicken should be stored in the fridge within 2 hours of sitting at room temperature. It's important to get the chicken into the fridge quickly to slow bacterial growth and keep it safe to eat.

If you have a lot of leftover chicken and don't think you will eat it within four days, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a zip-top freezer bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing. Then, freeze the chicken for up to four months.

When storing leftover chicken, it's important to label and date the container with the day it was prepared. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure that you consume it within the recommended time frame.

Frequently asked questions