Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Savor the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich! Crispy, juicy chicken topped with a drizzle of hot honey, served on a toasted bun for a mouthwatering meal that’s quick and easy to make.

This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed meal that combines crispy, juicy chicken with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Made effortlessly in the air fryer, the chicken is coated in a crunchy, golden crust and then topped with a drizzle of hot honey for a bold kick.

Served on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, pickles, or a dollop of creamy sauce, this sandwich is a delicious option for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make, mess-free, and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Pair it with fries or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy and Spicy: This recipe delivers the perfect combination of crispy and spicy.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.
• Customizable Heat: You have full control over the level of spiciness.
• Quick and Easy: Air frying ensures a speedy cooking process.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The seasoning blend and marinade infuse the chicken with layers of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: This sandwich’s savory and spicy profile appeals to adults and kids, making it an excellent family meal option.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: You can enjoy restaurant-quality hot chicken sandwiches in the comfort of your own home.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you love easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat), Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe, or Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless): Juicy and tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs serve as the star of the sandwich, offering a flavorful and succulent base.
• Marinade (Hot Sauce, Pickle Juice, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Buttermilk): The marinade infuses the chicken with a bold and spicy flavor profile, combining hot sauce, pickle juice and an array of aromatic spices for an unforgettable taste.
• Chicken Coating (All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder): This crispy coating mixture delivers a satisfying crunch to the chicken thighs when air-fried, thanks to a blend of flour, cornstarch, and a medley of spices.
• Sauce (Butter, Honey, Hot Sauce): The mouthwatering sauce combines melted butter, honey, and hot sauce, creating a sweet and spicy drizzle that takes the sandwich to the next level.
• Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet brioche buns provide the perfect vessel to hold the flavorful chicken and toppings.
• Iceberg Lettuce (Shredded): Crispy shredded iceberg lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of coolness to balance the heat.
• Pickles: These tangy pickles provide a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken, offering a zesty and briny bite.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing completes the sandwich with its cool and creamy texture, making it a delectable condiment.
• With these carefully chosen ingredients, you’ll create a tantalizing Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a satisfying blend of sweet and spicy notes.

How To Make Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Air Fryer

Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, and add the hot sauce, pickle juice, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and buttermilk. This will be your marinade. Combine all the ingredients together and then cover the bowl with a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to make the chicken coating mixture in a separate medium bowl.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes or until it is hot. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.

Step 4: Lightly spray the coated chicken thighs with cooking spray or brush them with oil to help them turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer.

Step 6: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey and hot sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the homemade hot honey sauce is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Remove the crispy chicken from the air fryer and generously brush it with the hot sauce mixture. Let the chicken cool on a plate or wire rack for about 5 minutes before you assemble it. To assemble the sandwich, place pickles as well as a cooked piece of chicken thigh on the bottom half of each bun. Top it with sliced lettuce. Add an extra drizzle of hot honey sauce if you like. Place the top bun on the spicy chicken sandwich and enjoy!

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: To infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken, marinate it in a seasoned buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures it reaches the optimal cooking temperature and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush it with oil before air frying.
• Arrange Chicken in a Single Layer: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
• Flip and Spray: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Toast the Buns: While the chicken is air frying, toast the buns lightly.
• Customize the Sauce: Create a flavorful sauce or dressing to accompany the hot chicken sandwich.
• Build with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings to complete the hot chicken sandwich.
• Serve Immediately: Once assembled, serve the hot chicken sandwich immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the chicken and the freshness of the toppings.

Storing

• Storing Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: To store your leftover Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, separate the chicken from the bun and toppings. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the buns and any extra toppings separately in their own containers.
• Freezing Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: For freezing, wrap the cooked chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken and the sandwich ingredients separately for optimal freshness when reheating.
• Reheating Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: To reheat the chicken, place it in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy again. If you’re reheating the entire sandwich, wrap the sandwich in foil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, checking periodically. For the bun, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F (175°C) to warm it up without it getting too soggy.

What To Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Air Fryer Recipe

The Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that complement its crispy, spicy sweetness. Serve it with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort meal, or go for a refreshing side like a coleslaw or tangy pickled vegetables to balance the heat. For a healthier option, a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing would provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the sandwich.

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Chicken Sandwich Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance and fry it later? While it’s best to marinate the chicken in advance for flavor, it’s recommended to bread and air fry it just before serving.

How do I adjust the level of spiciness in this sandwich? You can easily adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper used in the marinade and coating.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating mixture and ensuring your hot sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

Can I make this sandwich with bone-in chicken pieces? While boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are recommended for ease of preparation and eating, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer.

How do I avoid the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket or tray? To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil or cooking spray before placing the breaded chicken inside.

Can I make this sandwich without the honey sauce for a less sweet version? Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sandwich, you can omit the honey sauce and use extra hot sauce or your favorite savory condiments for added flavor.

Can I use a different type of bun? Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite type of bun or bread for the sandwich, such as whole wheat, pretzel buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

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