We'd like to submit this Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich to be voted on in the Chicken Sandwich Wars that seem to be happening between fast food joints. It's thick and juicy and that crispy breading is packed with flavor! Took us quite a few tries to get it just right, but we can safely say this one is a favorite!
2chicken breastsboneless and skinless, 6-8 ounces each
1cupflour
¼cupcornstarch
1tablespoongarlic powder
1tablespoononion powder
2teaspoonssmoked paprika
2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonchili powder
1teaspooncracked pepper
2largeeggs
1tablespoonhot saucesee notes
1tablespoonwater
3tablespoonsbuttermilk
4sandwich buns
4tablespoonsbutter
¼cupmayonnaisefor serving
Dill pickle slicesfor serving
Instructions
Slice the chicken breasts in half at a slight diagonal to create two smaller pieces of chicken. Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness about the size of your sandwich buns. Pat the chicken dry.
Add the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings to a small shallow dish and whisk well to combine.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Shake off excess. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Whisk together the eggs, hot sauce, and water until smooth in a second shallow dish.
Add the buttermilk to the seasoned flour mixture and stir with a fork to combine. This should create clumps of flour mixture throughout - the mixture will not be wet like a batter, but very clumpy.
Dip the floured chicken in the egg wash, shaking off excess, and then into the clumpy flour mixture. Be sure to press the flour onto the chicken to coat, creating clumps of breading on the chicken.
Spritz an air fryer basket with non-stick spray and arrange the chicken pieces in the basket, leaving space between each for air to flow.
Spritz the chicken liberally with oil spray.
Air fry at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Check the chicken at 8 minutes and spritz with additional oil if there are dry bits of breading on the chicken.
To assemble sandwiches, butter the buns and toast on a skillet over medium heat.
Spread each bun with mayo and top with chicken and pickles.
Notes
The hot sauce does not make these sandwiches spicy, they just add additional flavor. For a spicy sandwich, add cayenne to the spice mixture. Do not press a thick layer of the batter onto the chicken breasts - you just need enough to coat the chicken.