Skip the drive through, and make yourself a freshly breaded Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich at home! This air fryer chicken is brined in buttermilk and extra crispy.
2boneless skinless chicken breastspounded to ½” thick
½cupbuttermilk
½cuppickle brine
½cupall purpose flour
1large egg
¾cupplain breadcrumbs
2hamburger bunstoasted
Burger Toppingspickles, sliced tomato, lettuce, cheese, etc.
Instructions
Place the chicken breast, buttermilk, and pickle brine in a large ziploc bag or shallow bowl (ensure the chicken is covered as much as possible). If you have time, set the chicken aside to brine for up to 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, just let the chicken brine while you prepare the other ingredients.
Add the flour to a shallow bowl and season it with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
In another shallow bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk-pickle brine mixture.
In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs and season them with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and allow any excess brine to drip off. Then dip the chicken breasts in the flour, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
Next dip the chicken breast into the egg mixture and finally into the breadcrumbs.
Carefully grease your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and then place the breaded chicken breast into the air fryer. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil spray.
Cook at 380°F/190°C for 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
(Optional) To toast your buns in the air fryer, spray the cut side lightly with olive oil spray and place them cut side up in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F/200°C for 2-3 minutes, or until your desired doneness.
Place the crispy chicken breast on a toasted bun and add your desired toppings. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Be Flexible. Since all air fryers cook a bit differently, you may need more or less time to fully cook the chicken sandwiches in yours. The cooking time will also depend on the thickness and size of your chicken breast.
Use a Thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Use a digital kitchen thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each piece to check for doneness.
Don't Skip the Brine. The buttermilk pickle brine will add tons of flavor to the chicken, and also keep it moist and tender. Allow it to sit in the brine for at least 5 minutes, and up to 2 hours.
Try it with Panko. To make your air fryer chicken sandwich extra, extra crispy, swap the regular breadcrumbs for panko instead.
Make it Gluten Free. Use all-purpose gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs, along with your favorite gluten-free sandwich rolls!