Air Fryer Buttermilk Spicy Chicken Sandwich

In this irresistible Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich, savor the bold flavors of juicy fried chicken perfectly paired with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun for the perfect bite. Every mouthful is a celebration of crispy, spicy goodness that you won’t be able to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

It feels like a new specialty chicken joint pops up every week, and the lines are always unbelievable! Near me in suburban Chicago, there are several within a 10-minute drive, and they’re always packed. Even fast-food chains are rolling out chicken sandwiches that everyone wants to get their hands on. 

Can these be made right in the comfort of your own home? You bet they can… all using your air fryer!

Buttermilk is a very special ingredient that tenderizes the meat and infuses a juiciness and natural flavor that’s simply awesome. This is what elevates an ordinary chicken sandwich to the perfect chicken sandwich. 

Top it with a smear of spicy sauce, some crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and pickles, and a buttery bun, and you’ll have a crispy chicken sandwich that rivals any specialty chicken spot.

Are you a sucker for a good sandwich? Try my Best Damn Instant Pot Shredded Beef Sandwiches, Heather’s Drool Worthy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches, or Best Damn Instant Pot Pulled Chicken next!

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, or pound them down to about a half-inch thickness.
• Buttermilk: What gives us that irresistible, juicy chicken
• Seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, and salt, ground pepper, onion powder, and cayenne are all great spices to use in this recipe.
• All purpose flour: This is key to achieving that crispy outside.
• Eggs: Whisked and ready to coat the chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Use store-bought or make your own for added crunch and texture.
• Mayonnaise: This will be the base for our spicy sauce.
• Hot sauce: Use a hot sauce catered to your desired spice level. If you’re not into spicy foods, you can substitute with BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.

Topping Suggestions

• Brioche buns: A soft brioche bun adds a sweet touch to balance the chicken’s heat.
• Lettuce, tomato and pickles: These classic sandwich toppings add freshness and texture.

Preparation

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½″) and cut crosswise to make two equal halves. Set aside.

Next, pour 1 cup of buttermilk into a large zip-top bag and mix it with paprika, garlic powder, and a teaspoon of salt. Place the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, seal the bag, and let it sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. Several hours is even better, and overnight is best!

Now it’s time to set up the breading station. In a medium bowl, mix flour, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Beat the eggs in another bowl. Finally, add the panko breadcrumbs to a wide plate.

Take the marinated chicken, one at a time, and let the excess buttermilk mix drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour and dunk it into the egg mixture. Let the excess egg drip off, and then place it on the plate with the panko breadcrumbs. Press it right into the bread crumbs to coat it well. Then, place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken.

Cooking

Spray the air fryer basket or tray with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. When ready, add the chicken, spray it all with cooking spray, and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

While the chicken is cooking, mix mayonnaise and hot sauce in a small bowl and set aside. You can also toast the sandwich buns and set them aside. When the chicken is done, check its internal temperature at 165°F.

Serving

Now, it’s time to build your sandwich! Place the chicken on your buns. Spread the spicy mayo, layer on fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and top with pickles. Enjoy!Tip: To make the buns even tastier, I like to spread a little butter on the inside and toast them first.

What to Pair with Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

There are plenty of side dishes that go well with spicy chicken sandwiches. This Country Creamy Coleslaw is a great option to add some coolness and extra crunch. Put your air fryer to work with these irresistible Air Fryer Homestyle French Fries, or make it an ultimate comfort food meal with this decadent Best Damn Baked Mac and Cheese!

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately from the buns and toppings to prevent them from getting soggy. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for quicker reheating. Assemble your sandwich with fresh toppings, and enjoy!

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