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Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich

A quick and crispy air fryer chicken sandwich with spicy seasoning, fresh lettuce, tomato, and creamy sriracha mayo.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Breading
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Sandwich Components
  • 4 sandwich buns
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Air fryer
  • Shallow dishes
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken breasts if desired. Place in a bowl and coat with buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate 15–120 minutes.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow dish.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Double-dip for extra crunch if desired.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken in air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl for spicy mayo.
  7. Toast buns lightly. Spread spicy mayo, layer lettuce, tomato, and chicken. Top with optional pickles or cheese and sandwich together.
  8. Serve immediately with sides or store for meal prep.

Notes

Adjust cayenne and sriracha for heat preference. Use panko for extra crunch.