Meet your new favorite sandwich obsession – a perfectly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This golden-brown masterpiece delivers an impressive 42g of protein while keeping the fat content surprisingly low at 11g.
The combination of juicy chicken and a perfectly toasted bun creates that satisfying fast-food taste you love, but with a healthier twist. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a quick weeknight meal, this air fryer version brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 pieces, pounded to ½” thickness for even cooking
- Buttermilk & Pickle Brine: ½ cup each, creates tender and flavorful chicken
- Coating Station:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, seasoned
- 1 large egg mixed with brine
- ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs, seasoned
- Serving Elements: Toasted hamburger buns and fresh toppings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: Combine chicken with buttermilk and pickle brine in a bag for up to 2 hours
- Prepare Coating Station: Set up three bowls – seasoned flour, egg mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs
- Heat Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F for 5 minutes
- Bread the Chicken: Coat in flour, then egg mixture, finally breadcrumbs
- Air Fry: Cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, flip, then 8-10 minutes more until golden (165°F internal)
- Toast Buns: Optional – spray with oil, air fry at 400°F for 2-3 minutes
- Assemble: Layer your crispy chicken with favorite toppings on toasted buns
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect crispy coating starts with the triple-breading method: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. The key is letting each layer stick properly before moving to the next. Pat the chicken gently when coating it, and don’t rush the process. The pickle brine and buttermilk work together to keep your chicken super juicy, while the air fryer creates that amazing golden-brown crust without deep frying!
Variations & Substitutions
No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. You can swap plain breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch, or season them with garlic powder and dried herbs for more flavor.
Don’t have pickle brine? Use regular salt water with a splash of vinegar. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs – the recipe works just as well!
Serving Suggestions
Make this sandwich your own with classic toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and extra pickles. Try adding spicy mayo (just mix mayo with hot sauce), crispy bacon, or melted cheese. Serve with a side of french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. Want to kick things up? Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-spicy twist!
Storage Tips
These chicken cutlets stay crispy in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right up!
The breading might soften a bit in the fridge, but a quick blast in the air fryer brings back that wonderful crunch. Just remember to store any toppings separately and assemble your sandwich fresh when ready to eat.
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Shallow Bowls
- Ziploc Bag
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to ½” thick
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup pickle brine
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast, buttermilk, and pickle brine in a large ziploc bag or shallow bowl (ensure the chicken is covered as much as possible). If you have time, set the chicken aside to brine for up to 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, just let the chicken brine while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Add the flour to a shallow bowl and season it with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk-pickle brine mixture.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs and season them with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and allow any excess brine to drip off. Then dip the chicken breasts in the flour, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Next dip the chicken breast into the egg mixture and finally into the breadcrumbs.
- Carefully grease your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and then place the breaded chicken breast into the air fryer. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil spray.
- Cook at 380°F/190°C for 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
- (Optional) To toast your buns in the air fryer, spray the cut side lightly with olive oil spray and place them cut side up in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F/200°C for 2-3 minutes, or until your desired doneness.
- Place the crispy chicken breast on a toasted bun and add your desired toppings. Enjoy immediately.
