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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole grain hamburger buns - 4 slices of pepper jack cheese - Lettuce leaves - Sliced tomatoes - Dill pickle slices - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat) When you make this spicy chicken sandwich, the ingredients matter. The chicken breasts are the star. They should be boneless and skinless for best results. Marinating them in buttermilk and hot sauce gives them flavor and tenderness. This mix also helps the flour coating stick well. For the dredging mixture, you need all-purpose flour mixed with spices. My favorite spices are cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Together, they create a delicious crunch. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. The whole grain hamburger buns are perfect for this sandwich. They add a nice texture and are healthier than regular buns. You can also add optional toppings to make it even tastier. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while lettuce and tomatoes add freshness. Dill pickles give a nice crunch. Lastly, a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha can boost the flavor. Enjoy making your sandwich! First, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in a bowl. This step helps add flavor and tenderness to the chicken. Next, add the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. This makes the chicken juicy and spicy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. This mixture gives the chicken its crunchy coating. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Let the extra buttermilk drip off. Next, dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the flour sticks. Shake off any extra flour. This step is key for the crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Toast your whole grain hamburger buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until warm. Spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. If you like heat, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sriracha. Layer on the crispy chicken breast, followed by a slice of pepper jack cheese. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickles. Finally, place the top bun on and press down gently. Enjoy your tasty creation! To get that perfect crunch, I always dry the chicken well before dredging. This step helps the coating stick better. After marinating, gently pat the chicken with paper towels. For the best results, use cooking spray on the chicken before air frying. This small tip ensures a golden, crispy finish. Want more heat? Add extra cayenne pepper to the dredging mix. You can also try a spicier hot sauce. If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne or skip the sriracha. For a different flavor, consider honey mustard or garlic aioli as sauce alternatives. Serve your spicy chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. Both pair well with the sandwich's heat. For a restaurant-style look, stack the sandwich high. Use fresh lettuce, vibrant tomatoes, and bright dill pickles for color. A sprinkle of paprika on the plate adds a nice touch too! {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken with chicken thighs or turkey breast. Chicken thighs will give you a juicier bite. Turkey breast offers a leaner option. Both still taste great with the spicy marinade! If you want a vegetarian version, use a hearty plant-based patty or even cauliflower. These options bring a fun twist to the dish! You can use different buns to change the flavor. Brioche buns are sweet and soft, making them a tasty choice. If you need gluten-free, look for suitable options at the store. Different bread types can really change your meal. Try whole wheat for a nutty flavor, or a sourdough for a tangy kick. To make your sandwich even better, add more spices to the dredging mix. Try cumin or chili powder for extra zest. You can also mix in different sauces for fun flavors. BBQ sauce can add a smoky touch, while ranch dressing can cool down the heat. Experimenting with spices and sauces can take your sandwich to new heights! To keep your spicy chicken sandwich fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. If you wait longer, the chicken may dry out. Always check for any off smells before eating. When reheating, use the air fryer if you can. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep the chicken crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, use an oven. Just avoid the microwave, as it makes the bread soggy. Place the sandwich on a baking tray and warm it up. To freeze, wrap the chicken and buns separately. Use plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to enjoy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely first. This helps the marinade soak in well. You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, try marinating overnight. This gives the spices time to really blend in. Yes! To make this sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. Also, choose gluten-free buns to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Some great dipping sauces include ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. For an extra kick, try a spicy aioli or sriracha mayo. To ensure your air fryer works well, preheat it before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can make the chicken soggy. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious air-fried chicken sandwich. You learned about the main ingredients, like chicken breasts, buttermilk marinade, and optional toppings. I shared steps for marinating, dredging, and air frying the chicken. You now have tips for a crispy finish, serving suggestions, and variations. Try these methods for your next meal. Enjoy creating tasty sandwiches that please every palate. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Looking to spice up your meal routine? Try this Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich that's bursting with flavor! Juicy marinated chicken, crispy coating, and melty pepper jack cheese come together on whole grain buns for a satisfying treat. With easy steps and delicious ingredients, you'll have a mouthwatering sandwich ready in no time. Click through to discover this recipe and impress your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole grain hamburger buns

4 slices of pepper jack cheese

Lettuce leaves

Sliced tomatoes

Dill pickle slices

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with the hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).

    Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

      Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

        Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

          Assembly of the Sandwich: Toast the whole grain buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until warm. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun and drizzle with sriracha if desired. Layer on the crispy chicken breast, top with a slice of pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickles. Place the top bun on and press down gently.

            Serve and Enjoy: Serve your spicy chicken sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

              Prep Time: 1 hour (includes marination) | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4