Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich — Do you love the Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich? I know I do. But I don’t love the calories or fat that come with it. That’s where my air fryer comes in handy. I’ve created a lower-calorie and lower-fat version of the Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich that still tastes amazing. Want to learn how? Keep reading!

Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich is perfectly cooked in the air fryer; it’s delicious and crisped to perfection.

This Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich (Wendy’s Copycat) is one of the best chicken sandwiches you will ever make! It’s delicious and tastes exactly like the original. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and produces a juicy and tender chicken breast, and the coating is crisp and perfect!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Copycat Recipes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnamon Copycat), Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla, and, of course, everyone’s favorite, Air Fryer Copycat Tao Bell Crunchwrap Supreme.

Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich

This is my kid’s favorite chicken sandwich; they love the spicy flavor. If you have not tried the relatively new sandwich, it is all white chicken breast coated in a crispy exterior. It is served with a layer of mayonnaise, tomato lettuce, and pickles, all on a hamburger roll.

Wendy’s was the first fast-food chain to introduce a spicy chicken sandwich to its menu, and true to fast food trends, all of the other fast-food joints followed suit.

This chicken sandwich has a kick to it thanks to Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce and a dash of Cayenne Peper. Wendy’s also has a Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, a slice of Pepper Jack Cheese. So, if you want to upgrade this recipe, add a piece of cheese.

Watch How To Make Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Recreate the iconic Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich at home with your air fryer, bringing the heat and crunch you love without leaving your kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved fast-food favorite, utilizing a blend of spices and cooking techniques to achieve that perfect balance of spice, juiciness, and crispiness that Wendy’s fans adore. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious sandwich:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Hot Sauce: Adding hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade infuses the chicken with a spicy kick, laying the foundation for the sandwich’s signature heat.
• Chicken Breasts: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and mimic the classic Wendy’s patty.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the breading flour ensures the chicken achieves a crispy exterior when air-fried.
• Spices (Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): This blend of herbs is key to replicating Wendy’s chicken sandwich’s distinctive spicy and savory flavor profile.
• Hamburger Buns: Choose soft, quality hamburger buns for the base of your sandwich, lightly toasted for extra texture and flavor.
• Mayonnaise: A spread of mayonnaise on the bun adds creaminess, balancing the chicken’s spice.
• Lettuce and Tomato: Fresh and tomato slices provide a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy chicken, rounding out the classic sandwich build.

How To Make Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Making a Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich in your air fryer is a delicious way to enjoy fast-food flavors at home. Follow these steps for a crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken sandwich

Prepare the Breading:

• In a small bowl, mix Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and water.
• Combine the flour, cayenne, salt, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl.

Dredge the Chicken:

• Coat the chicken breast in the flour mixture, then into the hot sauce mixture, and back into the flour mixture.
• Use your hands to ensure that the flour mixture covers the chicken breast. Repeat until all of the chicken is coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, and then preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F, with the air fryer setting for 3- 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Chicken:

• Add your chicken breast. Use cooking spray GENEROUSLY to coat the top of the chicken so the entire flour coating is coated. This will help your chicken crisp up. Set the timer for 7 minutes, then use a pair of tongs, flip the chicken, spray again, coating the flour mixture, and set the timer for another 7-10 minutes.

Before Removing:

• Check the internal temperature of the chicken before removing it. The internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees F.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Spread the mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then place the cooked chicken breast onto a hamburger bun, top with pickles, lettuce, and tomato.

Recipe Variations

Creating variations of the Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich is an excellent way to cater to different tastes and occasions. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Buffalo Style: Toss the chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce for a tangy kick after cooking. Top with blue cheese dressing instead of mayonnaise for an authentic buffalo chicken sandwich experience.
• Honey Mustard Twist: Mix honey and mustard to create a sweet and tangy sauce. Use this instead of mayonnaise for a flavor-packed sandwich that balances the chicken’s spiciness.
• Ranch-Cooled Chicken Sandwich: For milder heat, drizzle or spread ranch dressing over the chicken. The coolness of the ranch perfectly complements the spicy chicken.
• Bacon Avocado: Add crispy bacon strips and slices of avocado to the sandwich for a rich, creamy texture and smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken.
• Cheesy Melt: Top the chicken with a slice of pepperjack or cheddar cheese at the last minute of air-frying. The melted cheese adds a gooey texture and tames the spice level slightly.
• Crunchy Slaw: Replace the lettuce with a tangy coleslaw to add crunch and a vinegar kick, balancing the spicy and crispy chicken beautifully.
• BBQ Spice: Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce mixed with a little hot sauce before cooking. This adds a smoky sweetness that enhances the spicy profile.
• Garlic Aioli Elevation: Whip up a quick garlic aioli (garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice) for a creamy, garlicky spread that adds depth to the spicy chicken.
• Pickled Delight: Add pickled cucumbers or jalapeños to introduce a zesty, vinegary contrast to the richness and spice of the chicken, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• “Nashville Hot” Inspiration: For a Nashville Hot Chicken twist, brush the cooked chicken with spicy cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika dissolved in hot oil.

Each of these variations on the Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich offers a unique way to enjoy this classic fast-food favorite, allowing you to customize the sandwich to suit any craving or dietary preference.

Pro Tips

Mastering the Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich requires a blend of technique and creativity. Here are pro tips to elevate your sandwich to the next level:

• Marinate for Flavor: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, marinate the breasts in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. The acidity of the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the hot sauce infuses it with spice.
• Double the Crunch: For an extra crispy coating, double-dredge the chicken. After the initial dip in the egg and flour mixture, repeat the process. This extra layer of breading adds to the crunch, mimicking the thick, satisfying crust of Wendy’s original.
• Uniform Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This not only ensures that they cook evenly but also that each bite has the perfect balance of breading to chicken.
• Let the Coating Set: After breading the chicken, let it rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before air frying. This step helps the coating adhere better, reducing the risk of it flaking off during cooking.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer if your model requires it. Cooking in a preheated air fryer ensures the chicken starts crisping up immediately, sealing in the juices.
• Avoid Crowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Adequate space around each piece allows for optimal air circulation, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Not only does this guarantee the chicken is cooked through, but it also prevents overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This brief rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist.
• Customize Your Toppings: While mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato are classic, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try avocado slices for creaminess, crispy onions for a crunch, or a different type of leafy green for a new flavor profile.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns in the air fryer adds a slight crunch and warmth, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the sandwich.

Following these pro tips will help you create an Air Fryer Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich that rivals the drive-thru favorite, offering a perfect blend of spice, crunch, and juiciness. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade fast food with the added benefits of customization and a healthier cooking method.

Faq’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs may add more flavor due to their higher fat content but keep in mind they might take slightly longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How can I make the sandwich less spicy? To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mixture and opt for a milder hot sauce or less of it in the buttermilk marinade. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken? Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce is highly recommended as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. However, if you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinate can make a difference.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to a few hours before cooking. The marinated chicken can also be prepared and stored in the fridge overnight, ready to be breaded and cooked the next day.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free? Yes, to make this sandwich gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the breading and ensure your breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free. Also, serve it on a gluten-free bun.

What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting? If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply run it at the cooking temperature for 3-5 minutes before adding your chicken to mimic preheating.

Can I cook more than one chicken breast at a time? You can cook multiple pieces at once as long as they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping or touching. This ensures even cooking and crisping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer until warm and crispy.

What are some good sides to serve with this sandwich? Good side dishes include air fryer French fries or potato wedges, coleslaw, a simple garden salad, or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal.

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Equipment Used

• Instant Vortex Air Fryer 4 in 1, Best Fries Ever, Roast, Bake, Reheat, 6 Qt, 1700W

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