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The Most Bomb Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Ok this Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich is my new favorite thing!! It is seriously comfort food to the EXTREME. Crispy tender chicken sandwiched between two buns with mayo, lettuce and pickles - your teeth will sink! Make lower carb by throwing in your favorite low carb bun, wrap or over top a salad!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 448 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Air fryer chicken:
  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts cut into 4 pieces, ~4 oz. each
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice (120g)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp each: salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, TJ’s pickle seasoning (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp dijon mustard (30g)
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs (224g)
For serving:
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 6 Tbsp light Mayo divided
  • Angel hair coleslaw or finely shredded lettuce
  • mustard dijon or regular, optional
  • pickle chips optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Marinate chicken: pound chicken to an even thickness (about 1-inch thick), then cut in half horizontally to make two thinner breasts. I used two (8-oz.) breasts that I cut in half to get four (4-oz.) pieces. Add chicken to a large bowl or ziploc bag with the pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then discard the marinade and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Extra crispy step: preheat oven to 400F. Add panko breadcrumbs to a large baking sheet. Spread out in an even layer and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 3-4 minutes, then shake breadcrumbs around and bake for another 3-4 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  3. Prepare breading station: get three shallow bowls. In one, mix together the flour, confectioners sugar and all the seasonings. In the next, whisk together the eggs and mustard. Finally in the last bowl, add the Panko.
  4. Bread the chicken: first, dip the chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip down. Finally, dip the chicken completely in the Panko. Press down with your fingers to help it stay on. Coat all sides and shake any excess off. Repeat with all the chicken.
  5. Cook chicken: preheat air fryer to 375F. When ready, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray the top with cooking spray (from a distance). Cook for 5 minutes. Spray the top of the chicken again, then carefully flip the chicken, spray the new top of the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155F*. Transfer chicken to a paper-towel lined plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. Assemble chicken sandwich: add mayo to each side (about 3/4 tablespoon to each bun half). Add the mustard to the top bun (if using), then top the bottom bun with the pickles, chicken, coleslaw and freshly cracked black pepper. Top with the top bun and ENJOY!

Notes

  • To make gluten-free: use gluten-free flour (King Arthur's or Bob's Red Mill), gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free buns.
  • Helpful Tips:
  • Pound chicken to even thickness. Otherwise the thinner side may overcook.
  • Use Panko breadcrumbs. Normal Italian breadcrumbs don’t get as crispy!
  • Toast breadcrumbs before breading. In order to get the most crispy chicken, you'll want to toast the breadcrumbs BEFORE chicken.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the chicken so the hot air can circulate. Depending on size of air fryer, you may need to cook in batches (I did two batches).
  • Don’t over-cook the chicken. Check internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked. I like to remove the chicken when it reaches 155F, carry over cooking will ensure it reaches 165F without over-cooking.
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Nutrition Information

Serving 1 sandwich Calories 448kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 50g (17%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Fiber 2.3g (9%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 448

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 sandwich
Calories 448kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 50g 17%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Fiber 2.3g 9%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.