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

Making a fried chicken sandwich in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a fast-food favourite. The air fryer is able to produce a crispy, crunchy, golden, and juicy fried chicken sandwich without the need for deep-frying. The secret to achieving this is to brine the chicken in a mixture of pickle juice and buttermilk, which makes the chicken tender and juicy. The chicken is then breaded and air-fried to perfection.

How to brine the chicken

Brining the chicken is an essential step in making a fried chicken sandwich as it ensures the meat is juicy and tender. The brine solution typically includes pickle juice, buttermilk, salt, sugar, and garlic. Here is a detailed guide on how to brine the chicken for your fried chicken sandwich:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for the brine:

• Chicken breasts, tenders, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Buttermilk
• Pickle juice (preferably from dill pickles)
• Salt
• Sugar
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

• Combine the brine ingredients: In a glass measuring cup or a bowl, mix the pickle juice, buttermilk, salt, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine and ensure the sugar and salt are dissolved.
• Prepare the chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can cut them in half and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly.
• Brine the chicken: Place the chicken in a glass dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the brine mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag. Refrigerate the chicken in the brine for at least 1 hour or up to 18 hours. The longer it sits in the brine, the more flavourful it will be.
• Remove from brine: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the leftover brine.

Now that your chicken is brined and ready, you can proceed to the next steps of breading and frying your chicken for that perfect fried chicken sandwich!

How to make the breading

To make the breading for your air fryer chicken sandwich, you'll need to follow a few simple steps.

First, prepare your chicken by slicing each breast in half and pounding it to an even thickness. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and will form four pieces of chicken. Next, pat the chicken dry and set it aside.

Now, it's time to make the breading mixture. In a small shallow dish, add flour, cornstarch, and your desired seasonings. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. You can season your breading with garlic powder, onion powder, cracked pepper, paprika, salt, and chili powder.

Once your breading mixture is ready, it's time to start the breading process. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour and set the chicken aside on a plate.

Next, prepare your egg wash by whisking together eggs, a dash of hot sauce, and water until smooth. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, shaking off any excess.

Return the chicken to the flour mixture. This time, be sure to press the flour onto the chicken to create clumps of breading that will result in a crunchy crust. Don't add too much breading, just enough to coat the chicken breasts.

Finally, spritz your air fryer basket with non-stick spray and arrange the chicken pieces inside, making sure they don't touch. Spritz the chicken liberally with oil spray, and it's ready to be cooked!

How to cook the chicken

To cook the chicken for your air fryer chicken sandwich, start by slicing your chicken breasts in half and pounding them out until they are of even thickness. You can then brine the chicken in a mixture of pickle juice and buttermilk for at least half an hour or up to overnight. This will make the chicken extra juicy and flavourful.

Next, you will need to dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, dip it in egg, and then dredge it in the flour again. For the flour mixture, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. You can also add in some cayenne pepper if you want your sandwich to be spicy.

Once your chicken is dredged, spritz your air fryer basket with non-stick spray and arrange the chicken inside, making sure the pieces do not touch. Spritz the chicken with oil spray and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now your chicken is ready to be assembled into sandwiches!

How to assemble the sandwich

To assemble the sandwich, place the chicken on the bottom bun. You can use brioche, whole wheat potato rolls, or potato rolls.

Next, add your desired toppings. This could include lettuce, a few pickle slices, and tomato slices. You can also add a sauce, such as mayonnaise, spicy mayonnaise, or sriracha mayo, to the top bun.

Finally, place the top bun on the sandwich, and it's ready to serve!

How to store leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your air-fried chicken sandwich, there are a few ways to store them safely. Firstly, it's important to refrigerate your leftovers promptly, ideally within a couple of hours. This will ensure that your leftovers don't spend too much time in the "danger zone," which is the term for temperatures between 40°F and 140°F where bacteria grow fastest.

When it comes to reheating your leftovers, you have a few options. You could use an oven, a microwave, a stove, or even an air fryer. Each method has its pros and cons, and none will perfectly replicate the taste and texture of freshly cooked chicken. However, here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Bring the chicken to room temperature before reheating. This will reduce the amount of time it needs to spend in the oven or air fryer, decreasing the chances of it drying out.
• Use a wire rack on a sheet pan when reheating in the oven. This will allow air to circulate and prevent the bottom of the breading from turning mushy.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 400ºF for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
• If you're using an air fryer, let the chicken come to room temperature and then cook at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until an internal thermometer shows the meat has reached 165°F. Ensure there's enough airflow by not crowding the chicken in the tray.
• If you're reheating in the microwave, do it in short bursts of 20 to 40 seconds, turning the chicken over after each round. Using a paper towel will help absorb excess moisture. However, be aware that microwaving can make the chicken soggy.
• Reheating on the stove is also an option, but it's a lot of work as you're essentially cooking the chicken again. Follow the instructions for cooking fried chicken, but reduce the time to about 2 to 3 minutes per side since the chicken is already cooked.

Remember, it's best to eat your leftovers within a few days, and always ensure that your food is thoroughly heated and safe to consume. Enjoy your crispy, juicy air-fried chicken sandwich leftovers!

Frequently asked questions