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Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Crispy, Juicy, Flavor-Packed Guide

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Crispy, Juicy, Flavor-Packed Guide
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This Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. The chicken is coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, air-fried until golden, and finished with a simple spicy mayo on a soft brioche bun. It’s a lighter, faster version of a classic fried chicken sandwich—perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Sandwich

  • 4 hamburger buns (brioche recommended)

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot)

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Spicy Mayo

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions

  • Prepare the breadcrumbs
    In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

  • Make the batter
    In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, flour, hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

  • Prepare the chicken
    Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until even in thickness. Cut each breast in half crosswise to make 4 pieces.

  • Coat the chicken
    Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then coat thoroughly with the toasted panko breadcrumbs.

  • Air fry
    Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken in a single layer.
    Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with cooking spray if the coating looks dry.

  • Make spicy mayo
    In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and hot sauce until smooth.

  • Assemble sandwiches
    Spread spicy mayo on the top buns, add the crispy chicken, and finish with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Toasting the panko first gives extra crunch without deep frying.

  • Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to control the spice level.

  • Great toppings include lettuce, pickles, tomato, or coleslaw.

  • Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/air-fryer-spicy-chicken-sandwich-the-ultimate-crispy-juicy-flavor-packed-guide/