Crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwiches are comfort food at its finest. But heating up all that oil for deep frying can be messy, smelly, and unhealthy. That’s why this air fryer chicken sandwich recipe is so game-changing!
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make the crispiest, crunchiest fried chicken at home in your air fryer. From the ultra-flavorful and tender chicken breast filets coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture to the toasted brioche buns, this sandwich delivers on both texture and taste.
Keep reading to learn how to nail this crave-worthy sandwich right in your air fryer. It’s about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend lunch, or a gathering with friends, this air fryer fried chicken sandwich fits any occasion. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to serve to guests. This versatility makes it a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Results: What makes this recipe extraordinary is its reliance on everyday pantry staples. There’s a magic in turning familiar ingredients like flour, eggs, and spices into something that feels gourmet.
The Perfect Fusion of Texture and Flavor: This air fryer fried chicken sandwich recipe is a gastronomic symphony, harmonizing the crispness of panko breadcrumbs with the rich taste of chicken.
The play of textures is a delight – imagine biting through the golden, crunchy exterior to reach the succulent, juicy chicken within. Each bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish that tantalizes the senses, a true celebration of texture and flavor.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this air fryer chicken sandwich recipe you will need the following ingredinets:
General
- 22oz (620g) Chicken Breast (cut into four 5.5oz portions)
- 2 Eggs (large)
First Dry Mixture
- 2/3 cup Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Second Dry Mixture
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1.4oz (40g) Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 2.5oz (70g) Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow these easy steps and make the perfect air fryer crispy chicken sandwich:
Step 1
Clean and trim the chicken breasts. Then, cut them into 5.5 oz pieces and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts down.
Step 2
Preheat the air fryer to 370F (190C) for about 5-6 minutes (you want it very hot!).
Step 3
Place 3 small mixing bowls on the table. In the first one- mix the “First Dry Mixture” ingredients. In the second one, the “Second Dry Mixture” ingredients. And in the final one- whisk the eggs.
Step 4
Pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel (they must be dry to crisp up). Coat the chicken breasts in the first mixture with the flour. Then, dip them in the eggs and cover them with the last mixture.
Step 5
Carefully remove the hot air fryer basket. Place the coated chicken breasts inside.
Step 6
Air fry for 18-20 minutes and flip the chicken halfway through.
Step 7
Toast brioche buns in a stovetop pan until lightly golden, and then set aside. Prepare the toppings you want to use (I recommend mayo).
Step 8
Remove the air fried chicken breasts. Add them to the buns and top them with mayo and other condiments. That’s it! Enjoy this amazing and tasty air fryer chicken sandwich!
💡Tips
If you want to make the best air fryer chicken sandwich, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Adjust Air Fry Time As Needed Based On Thickness
The stated 18-20 minutes air fry time is just a guideline and may need adjusting based on the thickness of your chicken pieces after pounding. Carefully monitor them during cooking, flipping halfway, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If they seem to be browning too quickly but are not yet cooked through, lower the air fryer temp 25°F and continue cooking a few more minutes.
2. Play With Different Seasonings And Coatings
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends in the flour coating or using something like cornflake crumbs or panko instead of standard breadcrumbs. Tailor the fried chicken sandwich air fryer recipe to your tastes – adding spices like cayenne, garlic, paprika etc boosts flavor. Switching up the coating adds fun textures. Get creative!
3. Allow Chicken To Rest Before Serving
As tempting as it may be to immediately bite into the hot, crispy chicken right out of the air fryer, allowing it to rest first is key. Resting gives the juices time redistribute throughout chicken rather than spilling out when you cut into it.
Let chicken pieces sit 5-10 minutes after air frying before moving them to buns or slicing. This locks in mouthwatering moisture.
4. Achieving the Perfect Crisp
Preheating the air fryer is essential, as it ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and gets crispy. However, avoid overloading the air fryer basket. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, so for optimal results, the chicken pieces should be placed in a single layer with some space around them.
This allows for even air flow and cooking. If necessary, cook in batches rather than crowding the basket. Additionally, consider lightly spraying the chicken with a cooking spray before cooking. This can help achieve a more golden and crispy exterior without adding significant fat or calories.
Variations
1. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich– For an extra spicy and flavorful sandwich, coat the fried chicken in a mixture of hot sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper after air frying. The sweet and spicy glaze goes perfectly with the crispy exterior of the chicken. Serve it on a bun with pickles to cut the heat. Yeehaw!
2. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich– Breaded chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella? Yes please! After air frying, top the crispy chicken with warmed marinara sauce and freshly shredded mozzarella. Broil until the cheese melts and gets nice color on top. The classic Italian flavors pair deliciously with the chicken. Mangia!
3. Chipotle Chicken Sandwich– For a sandwich with a smoky, spicy kick, brush the hot crispy chicken with a mixture of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and garlic. The charred flavors of the sauce enhance the juicy chicken perfectly. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra punch. ¡Muy sabroso!
4. Chicken Club Sandwich– Bacon makes everything better, especially fried chicken sandwiches! In the air fryer basket, add some bacon strips next to the breaded chicken breasts during the last 5 minutes of cook time. The bacon gets perfectly crispy. Layer the bacon over the chicken along with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a classic chicken club.
5. Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich- For an Asian twist, serve the crispy chicken on a -baguette with traditional banh mi fillings like pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and Sriracha mayo. The zesty flavors brighten up the sandwich for the ultimate East-meets-West creation.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make this air fried chicken sandwich keto-friendly and low in carbs, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
Instead of regular flour, use almond flour or coconut flour in the dry mixtures. This removes all the carbs and grains.
Skip adding the panko breadcrumbs too. Alternatively, you could use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for crunch.
Rather than a traditional brioche bun which is high carb, make a bun using cloud bread or just serve the chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves.
For toppings, avoid sugary condiments like barbecue sauce or honey mustard. Opt for full fat mayonnaise, avocado, tomato, onion, pickles, etc. These add great flavor without the carbs.
Making these swaps helps transform this into a tasty keto and low carb chicken sandwich that still has that crispy crunch! Let me know if you need any other tips for lowering the carbs.
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten free version of this air fried chicken sandwich, there are a few simple substitutions to make:
Instead of regular flour in the dry mixtures, use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill is a common brand that works well.
Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten free panko-style breadcrumbs. Look for brands certified gluten free.
For the brioche buns, find a certified gluten free brand. Schar makes good gluten free brioche buns. Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse also have options.
Storage
This air fried chicken sandwich is best when eaten freshly made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The cooked chicken can also be frozen for longer term storage. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to serve.
Side Dishes Ideas
An air fryer fried chicken sandwich is a delicious, crispy treat that deserves equally tasty side dishes to complement it. Here are 5 perfect pairings:
1. Air Fryer Halloumi Fries– Salty, crispy halloumi cheese fries are the ultimate side for a fried chicken sandwich. The contrast of the soft interior and crispy exterior of the fries matches nicely with the crunchy breading and juicy chicken. Plus, the salty cheese pairs beautifully.
2. Air Fryer Asparagus Fries– For a lighter and healthier option, crispy air fryer asparagus fries add freshness. The crisp asparagus has a wonderful earthy and slightly sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. A tasty and nutritious choice.
3. Air Fryer Eggplant Fries– Crispy eggplant fries are a delicious vegan alternative. The meaty texture and subtle flavor stands up well to the fried chicken, while the breadcrumbs add crunch. An unexpected but welcome combination.
4. Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries– You can’t go wrong with a classic like crinkle cut fries, hot and crispy straight from the air fryer. These frozen fries require barely any prep but match the crispy chicken sandwich beautifully. The perfect quick and easy side.
5. Air Fryer Home Fries– For the ultimate comfort, crispy roasted home fries are a warm and filling choice. Diced potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic pair nicely with the herby breading on the chicken. Satisfying and hearty.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I use instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs may require slightly longer cook times since they have a bit more fat. You could also try using pork cutlets or tofu. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
2. How can I ensure my chicken is cooked thoroughly but still juicy?
The key is not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking can also help retain its juices.
3. Why is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately upon placement, which helps in achieving a crispy exterior. A preheated air fryer mimics the consistent environment of a traditional deep fryer.
4. What condiments go well with this crispy chicken sandwich?
Classic choices like mayo, honey mustard or ranch dressing work great. You can also spice it up with sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce or a zesty BBQ ranch. Coleslaw or pickles make tasty toppings too. Customize to your taste!
I hope you enjoy making this easy and delicious air fryer chicken sandwich recipe! With its crispy, crunchy coating and juicy interior, it’s a tasty new way to enjoy a classic sandwich. Be sure to air fry up some crispy side dishes like halloumi fries or asparagus fries to complement it.
For more air fryer recipes and tips, check out the rest of the posts on my site. I’m always testing out new ideas in my air fryer and sharing the best ones. Let me know in the comments if you have any requests for future air fried recipes you want me to develop.
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
- 22 oz Chicken Breast (cut into four 5.5oz portions)
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 2/3 cup Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1.4 oz Shredded Parmesan Cheese (40g)
- 2.5 oz Panko Breadcrumbs (70g)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- Clean and trim the chicken breasts. Then, cut them into 5.5 oz pieces and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts down.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370F (190C) for about 5-6 minutes.
- Place 3 small mixing bowls on the table. In the first one- mix the “First Dry Mixture” ingredients. In the second one, the “Second Dry Mixture” ingredients. And in the final one- whisk the eggs.
- Pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel. Coat the chicken breasts in the first mixture with the flour.Then, dip them in the eggs and cover them with the last mixture.
- Carefully remove the hot air fryer basket. Place the coated chicken breasts inside.
- Air fry for about 18-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through.
- Toast brioche buns in a stovetop pan until lightly golden, and then set aside. Prepare the toppings you want to use (I recommend mayo).
- Remove the air fried chicken breasts. Add them to the buns and top them with mayo. Enjoy!
Absolutely loved this air fryer chicken sandwich! The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I added some lettuce and tomato for extra crunch and freshness. Will definitely make again.
Tried this recipe last weekend and it was a hit! The chicken was crispy and juicy. However, I found the cayenne a bit overpowering. Next time, I’ll cut it back to a pinch.