Learn how to make Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches at home! This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken with a smoky blackened seasoning, perfect for a homemade sandwich.
Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches are a deliciously crispy and flavorful alternative to the classic fried chicken sandwich, made healthier in the air fryer.
The blackened seasoning adds a smoky, bold flavor to the juicy chicken breast, while the air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy crust without the need for deep frying. Served on a soft bun with tangy pickles and fresh lettuce, this sandwich brings the irresistible taste of Popeyes right to your kitchen in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or dinner, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy and Juicy Chicken: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken breast juicy and tender inside.
- Healthy Alternative: With no deep frying involved, this recipe offers a lighter, healthier version of the classic sandwich.
- Bold Flavor: The blackened seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe cooks in just minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning and toppings to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Provides a lean and protein-packed base.
- Blackened Seasoning: A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and more, this seasoning infuses the chicken with bold and spicy flavors.
- Flour: Coats the seasoned chicken, ensuring a crispy texture when air-fried.
- Egg: Act as the binding agent, helping the flour and seasoning adhere.
- Bread or Buns: To serve as the foundation for your delicious creation.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich and tangy base for your sandwich.
- Lettuce: Crisp leaves add a fresh and crunchy element to the sandwich.
- Pickles: Provides a contrasting flavor that complements the spiciness of the blackened chicken.
- Tomato (optional): Added for a juicy and refreshing touch to your sandwich.
- Oil (for spritzing): Helps achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
- Salt and Pepper: Used to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cooking Spray (optional): If your air fryer basket tends to stick, a cooking spray can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
How To Make Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Step One: In a mixing bowl or food storage container, whisk together buttermilk, cornstarch (for crispier chicken), and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the blackening spice. Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture and flip to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
Step Two: Remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess buttermilk. Sprinkle generously on both sides with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of blackening spice and then spray with vegetable oil spray to promote browning. Transfer to the air fryer basket.
Step Three: Air fry at 375 degrees F for 12–15 minutes, until browned on the outside, and a meat thermometer registers at least 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece.
For the best flavor, spray brioche buns with vegetable oil spray or lightly butter and brown in a skillet over medium heat. Place a few pickle slices on the bottom bun and spread mayonnaise on the top bun. Place chicken breasts on the 2 bottom buns and then place the top buns over the chicken to finish the sandwiches.
Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Tips
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Customize the level of spiciness in your blackened seasoning to suit your taste.
- Even Coating: Ensure that the blackened seasoning, flour, and egg coating are evenly applied to the chicken.
- Spritz with Oil: Lightly spritz the coated chicken with oil or use a cooking spray.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get evenly cooked and crispy.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer model.
- Toast the Buns: For added flavor and texture, lightly toast the sandwich buns in the air fryer for a minute or two before assembling the sandwiches.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings. You can add cheese, bacon, avocado, or other condiments to make your sandwich even more delicious.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich.
- Serve Fresh: Blackened Chicken Sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after assembly to preserve their crispiness and flavor.
Storing
- Storing: To store leftover Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches, wrap the chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken separately from the sandwich bun and toppings. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, and the buns can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to restore its crispiness. Warm the bun in the air fryer or microwave for 15-20 seconds to prevent it from getting too dry.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Serve them with crispy fries, coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or sweet potato fries for a healthier twist. You can also opt for a simple side salad or pickles to enhance the sandwich’s bold flavors. For an extra kick, try a side of spicy dipping sauce or a creamy ranch dressing to complement the blackened spice.
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Faqs
What is Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich? Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is a menu item that features a boneless chicken breast seasoned with a blend of blackened spices. It’s typically served on a bun with mayonnaise, lettuce, and pickles.
Is Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich spicy? Yes, Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is known for its spiciness due to the blackened seasoning used on the chicken. The level of spiciness can vary, but it’s generally flavorful and mildly to moderately spicy.
Is Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich deep-fried? Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is typically deep-fried, but you can also make a healthier version using an air fryer, as mentioned in previous responses.
What is in the blackened seasoning used on the chicken? The blackened seasoning often includes a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and other seasonings. The exact recipe may vary between restaurants.
Can I customize the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich? Yes, you can customize your sandwich with additional toppings and condiments to suit your preferences. Popular additions include cheese, bacon, avocado, and different sauces.
Is the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich available year-round? Menu offerings at Popeyes can vary by location and over time. While the Blackened Chicken Sandwich may not be available year-round, it might be featured as a limited-time special at certain locations.
Is the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich gluten-free? The Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is not typically gluten-free as it involves a flour coating on the chicken. If you have dietary restrictions, you should check with the restaurant for specific information on allergens and gluten-free options.
What sides are often served with Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches? Popeyes offers a variety of sides that you can choose to accompany your Blackened Chicken Sandwich, including Cajun fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
Can I make my own Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich at home? Yes, you can make a homemade version of Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich using an air fryer or traditional cooking methods. Recipes are available online and can be customized to suit your taste.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
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- AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS
- CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
- AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE
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Air Fryer Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Description
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablepoon cornstarch, optional
- 3 tablespoons blackening spice, divided (premade or see ingredients below)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets , (6–8 ounces each)
- 2 brioche buns
- 6 sliced pickles
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
BLACKENING SPICE (combine all ingredients)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or food storage container, whisk together buttermilk, cornstarch (for crispier chicken), and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the blackening spice.
- Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture and flip to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess buttermilk. Sprinkle generously on both sides with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of blackening spice and then spray with vegetable oil spray to promote browning. Transfer to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, until browned on the outside and a meat thermometer registers at least 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece.
- For the best flavor, spray brioche buns with vegetable oil spray or lightly butter and brown in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place a few slices of pickle on the bottom bun and spread mayonnaise on the top bun. Place chicken breasts on the 2 bottom buns and then place the top buns over the chicken to finish the sandwiches.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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