Air Fryer Hot 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 just 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 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.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich

Love fried chicken sandwiches but don’t want to spend the time and money on deep-frying? Look no further than your air fryer! Although air frying has gained popularity due to its convenience, many people are unaware of how much less unhealthy this cooking method is for consuming fried food.

Making a delicious hot chicken sandwich in an air fryer takes less than 30 minutes and requires only a few basic ingredients – you’ll be eating (and enjoying) them in no time! Read on to learn more about the simple steps and ingredients needed to make home-delectable air fryer hot chicken sandwiches.

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: I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of skin on thighs but
• you can use skinless chicken breasts for this hot chicken sandwich recipe.
• Hot sauce: Hot sauce adds heat and flavor to the marinade and sauce. You can use your favorite hot sauce brand. I love to use Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot. Feel free to reduce the amount of hot sauce if you prefer milder heat. Red chili flakes or cayenne pepper powder can be used instead to add heat to the marinade and sauce.
• Pickle juice: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. Use vinegar or lemon juice instead if you don’t have pickle juice.
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the marinade and the chicken coating. Adjust the amount to fit your preferred spice level. Chili powder or red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor and color to the marinade and chicken coating. Use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on what you prefer. I love to use smoked paprika.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: These powders add depth of flavor to the marinade and chicken coating. You can use fresh minced onion and garlic if you prefer.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps make the chicken tender and juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, combining it, and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can use dairy-free milk or yogurt as a substitute.
• All-purpose flour: The flour helps create a crispy chicken coating. You can use gluten-free flour, rice flour, or panko breadcrumbs as substitutes if you like.
• Cornstarch: This makes the chicken extra crispy. You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch if you don’t have cornstarch.
• Butter: Butter is used in the sauce to add richness and flavor. You can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute.
• Honey: Honey balances the heat in the sauce and gives it a sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead.
• Olive oil: I used olive oil for this recipe, but you can use peanut oil.

How To Make Hot Chicken Sandwich In Air Fryer

A hot chicken sandwich is a classic. Whether you’re serving it at home for dinner, bringing it on the go as picnic food, or even making it to satisfy your late-night cravings – there’s just something about the combination of flavors in this dish that can’t be beaten! But if you own an air fryer, why not take your hot chicken sandwich game up a notch? With the right blend of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy a fried version’s deliciousness without worrying about dealing with messy batter or deep frying oils.

Read on for our guide to assembling your very own mouthwatering air fryer hot chicken sandwich – from selecting the best bread and toppings to cooking tips – so get ready to devour one amazing meal!

Step 1: Marinade The 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!

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich

• 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.

Do I need to marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk?

No, you don’t need to marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk, but I highly recommend
it. Marinating will help make the meat soft and juicy.

Can I bake the chicken instead of air-frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead. Simply place the breaded chicken in a
preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, and flip them halfway through.
They will be ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts usually take a little longer to cook, so please adjust the cooking time. You can also use this air fryer chicken
sandwich for your chicken cutlets, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings.

Can I add cheese to my sandwich?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese. This recipe would work well with Cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Certainly! The chicken can be prepared ahead of time. When you are ready to eat them,
reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This will make them regain their
crunchiness.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjusting the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference will help
make the sauce less spicy. You can also add a little extra honey to balance the heat.

How do I store my leftover chicken sandwiches?

Place your chicken sandwiches in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They will last in the
fridge for up to 3 days.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER TGIF FRIDAY’S GREEN BEAN FRIES
• AIR FRYER STEAK FRIES
• EASY AIR FRYER MACARONI AND CHEESE BALLS
• THE BEST AND EASIEST AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES RECIPE