Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich — For those looking for a crazy delicious sandwich created in an air fryer with just enough crunch, this Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich will surely become a family favorite!

The perfect blend of seasonings, breading, ranch dressing, pickles, and crispy chicken combine to create an irresistible and effortlessly flavorful sandwich.

In 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful hot chicken sandwich that your entire household will be delighted to devour. Read on for easy instructions for making this succulent dish in your home’s air-fryer.

The Best Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

This Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe offers a harmonious blend of sweet,
savory, and spicy flavors. It is crunchy, juicy, and irresistible!

This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe combines marinated chicken thighs
with a crispy coating, cooked perfectly in the air fryer. The chicken is dipped in a
flavorful marinade of hot sauce, pickle juice, spices, and buttermilk. It’s then coated in a
mixture of flour and spices and air-fried until crispy. The sandwich is assembled with
pickles, lettuce, and a delectable hot honey sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love this Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe for several compelling reasons:

• Crispy and Spicy: This recipe delivers the perfect combination of crispy and spicy. The chicken is breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, creating an irresistibly crunchy texture with a spicy kick.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods. It allows you to enjoy the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without excess grease and calories.
• Customizable Heat: You have full control over the level of spiciness. Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred heat intensity, whether you enjoy a mild kick or a fiery flavor explosion.
• Quick and Easy: Air frying ensures a speedy cooking process. You can have a mouthwatering hot chicken sandwich on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The seasoning blend and marinade infuse the chicken with layers of flavor. It’s not just spicy; it’s a taste symphony that makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile: Serve the spicy chicken on a soft bun with classic toppings like pickles and coleslaw, or get creative with your own preferred toppings. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste.
• Family-Friendly: This sandwich’s savory and spicy profile appeals to adults and kids, making it an excellent family meal option.
• Perfectly Balanced: The contrast of the crispy chicken against the soft bun, the tangy pickles, and the cool coleslaw creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: You can enjoy restaurant-quality hot chicken sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and guests with this delectable creation.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s comfort food with a spicy twist that’s sure to satisfy.

In summary, this Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe offers a tantalizing blend of crispiness, spiciness, and flavor that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying, customizable to your heat preferences, and an absolute delight for your taste buds. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich experience!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed culinary journey with our Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich. This sensational sandwich boasts a crispy, spicy chicken fillet that’s been air-fried to perfection, nestled between a soft bun, and topped with classic fixings. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients that make this spicy masterpiece a reality.

Remember the step-by-step instructions and detailing ingredient list is below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• 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.
• Olive Oil (or Cooking Spray): Used to coat the chicken before air frying, olive oil ensures a golden and crispy exterior.
• 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 In Air Fryer

Creating a mouthwatering Hot Chicken Sandwich in your air fryer is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Marinade Chicken

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: Prepare The Chicken Coating

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: Coat The Chicken

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: Spay The Chicken (Important Step!)

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 Chicken

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: Prepare The Sauce

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: Serving

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!

Recipe Variations

Elevate your Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich with these creative recipe variations:

• Avocado Bliss: Create a creamy contrast to the heat by adding slices of ripe avocado to your sandwich. The cool, buttery texture of avocado pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Crumble some blue cheese over the hot chicken before drizzling on the hot honey sauce. The bold and tangy flavor of blue cheese adds a gourmet touch.
• Pimento Cheese: Swap out the ranch dressing for a generous spread of homemade or store-bought pimento cheese. The rich, cheesy goodness complements the heat of the chicken.
• Crispy Bacon: For an indulgent twist, layer crispy bacon strips on top of the chicken. Bacon lovers will rejoice at this added layer of flavor and texture.
• Sesame Seed Bun: Opt for a sesame seed bun instead of brioche for a nutty and slightly savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken.
• Sweet and Tangy Slaw: Top your chicken with a colorful coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sweet and tangy dressing. The crunch and sweetness contrast the heat beautifully.
• Pickled Red Onions: Add a punch of color and flavor by topping your sandwich with pickled red onions. They provide a zesty and slightly sweet element.
• Jalapeño Ranch Dressing: Instead of regular ranch dressing, make a jalapeño ranch by blending ranch dressing with pickled jalapeños. It adds a creamy, spicy kick.
• Grilled Pineapple: For a tropical twist, grill pineapple slices and place them on top of the chicken—the sweetness of the pineapple balances the heat.
• Buffalo-Style: Transform your hot chicken into a buffalo-style sandwich by tossing the fried chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling. Add blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for an authentic buffalo experience.
• Garlic Aioli: Swap out the ranch for a garlic aioli sauce. The garlic’s richness pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature Hot Chicken Sandwich. Whether you prefer it extra spicy, creamy, or with unique toppings, these ideas will inspire you to get creative with your sandwich creation.

Pro 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. This will result in juicy and flavorful chicken.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures it reaches the optimal cooking temperature and helps achieve a crispy exterior. Preheat it for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
• Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush it with oil before air frying. This helps promote browning and crispiness.
• Arrange Chicken in a Single Layer: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip and Spray: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. You can also give them a quick cooking spray or brush them with oil to enhance their crispiness.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Toast the Buns: While the chicken is air frying, toast the buns lightly. This helps prevent them from getting soggy when assembling the sandwich.
• Customize the Sauce: Create a flavorful sauce or dressing to accompany the hot chicken sandwich. A delicious sauce can elevate the overall taste, whether a spicy mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, or a special hot sauce blend.
• Build with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings to complete the hot chicken sandwich. Traditional options include lettuce, pickles, sliced tomatoes, and onions. For additional flavors and textures, you can also experiment with coleslaw, avocado, cheese, or bacon.
• Serve Immediately: Once assembled, serve the hot chicken sandwich immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the chicken and the freshness of the toppings.

Faq’s

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may require a slightly shorter cooking time in the air fryer, so monitor them closely to prevent overcooking.

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. The coating may become less crispy if the chicken sits for an extended period before air frying.

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. Add more for extra heat or reduce the quantities for a milder version to suit your taste.

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.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sandwiches? To reheat leftover sandwiches, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) to maintain their crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or conventional oven for reheating.

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. Just adjust the cooking time in the air fryer to ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature.

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. This will help ensure the chicken comes out crispy and intact.

What sides pair well with this sandwich? Popular sides to complement the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich include french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with extra pickles and ranch dressing for dipping.

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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