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Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

5.2 from 8 reviews

This Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken fillet coated in spicy panko breadcrumbs, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier take on a classic favorite. Topped with a zesty homemade spicy mayo and served on soft hamburger buns, it’s a delicious and easy meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 Hamburger Buns
  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce (Frank’s Red Hot Sauce recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Spicy Mayo:

  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until all breadcrumbs are coated. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until they turn lightly golden brown, then set aside to cool. This step enhances the crispiness of the coating.
  2. Make the Batter: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This spicy batter will give the chicken its flavorful base.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently flatten them using a meat mallet until an even thickness. Cut each breast in half crosswise so you have four pieces total, ensuring even cooking.
  4. Batter and Coat: Dip each chicken piece first into the spicy batter, letting any excess drip off. Then dredge it thoroughly in the prepared panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs fully to the chicken.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness. If the breadcrumbs appear dry mid-cooking, spray them lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Make Spicy Mayo: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 tablespoon hot sauce and ¼ cup mayonnaise in a small bowl, mixing well to create a creamy, spicy spread.
  7. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the spicy mayo generously on the top halves of the hamburger buns. Place the cooked chicken on the bottom buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles if desired. Top with the mayo-coated buns and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken breasts and ensure they are pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the batter and mayo.
  • Feel free to add lettuce, tomato, or pickles to customize your sandwich.
  • Spraying the breadcrumbs with olive oil before microwaving helps achieve extra crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Check chicken for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, quick chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, healthy fried chicken alternative