Description
When you’re in the mood for bold flavor, crispy texture, and a little fiery kick, the Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate homemade upgrade to your favorite fast-food classic. It’s juicy, crunchy, and layered with heat—and best of all, it’s made right in your air fryer without the mess of deep frying.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or game day, this sandwich brings restaurant-level flavor with easy, everyday ingredients. Add your favorite toppings, slather on some spicy mayo, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s every bit as satisfying as it looks.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or cut into cutlets)
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 tablespoon hot sauce
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½ cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
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½ cup crushed cornflakes
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Olive oil spray
For the Spicy Mayo:
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon hot sauce
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Dash of lemon juice
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Optional: pinch of cayenne
To Serve:
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2 brioche buns
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Pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, or cheese (your call!)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
In a second bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade and press into the coating until fully covered.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with oil, place in the chicken, and lightly mist the tops. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is crisp and fully cooked.
In a small bowl, stir together mayo, hot sauce, lemon juice, and cayenne. Adjust spice level to your taste.
Toast your buns if you like. Spread the spicy mayo on each side, layer on the crispy chicken, pickles, lettuce, or whatever you’re into. Top it off and get ready to bite into magic.
Notes
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak – It tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.
Double Up the Crunch – Cornflakes + panko = max texture.
Adjust the Heat – Want it milder? Skip the cayenne. Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce.
Crisp It Back Up – Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American