Make a crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken sandwich at home! This easy recipe features juicy chicken breast, spicy Sriracha mayo, and pickles.

A close-up of a family of four happily eating Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwiches with Spicy Sriracha Mayo, showcasing the golden-brown chicken and fresh ingredients in a cozy dining setting.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Sriracha Mayo

If you love a good crispy chicken sandwich like I do but could do without the greasy mess, you’re in for a treat! This air fryer version is my go-to whenever I want something crunchy and juicy without feeling weighed down. What I really love about it is how much flavor it still has—it’s lighter, healthier, but just as delicious as the fried version you’d get at a fast-food place. And the Sriracha mayo? It adds the perfect bit of heat to make every bite exciting! You’ll want this on repeat, trust me!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 tablespoons light mayo
1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more, if you love the heat)
1 large egg, beaten
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 16 ounces total)
1 cup 1% buttermilk
1 cup pickle juice (yes, you read that right!)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Olive oil spray
12 dill pickle chips
4 whole wheat potato rolls (I love using Martin’s rolls)

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Sriracha Mayo

A meat mallet is being used to pound the thicker end of a chicken breast on a cutting board, demonstrating the preparation technique for even cooking.

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by evening out the chicken breasts. Grab a meat mallet and pound the thicker end until the chicken is about ½ inch thick all around. This little trick makes sure the chicken cooks perfectly even. Then, slice each breast in half to get four pieces.

A bowl of buttermilk and pickle juice brine with two boneless chicken breasts submerged, illustrating the brining process for flavorful chicken.

2. Brine Time: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and pickle juice (yup, pickle juice!). Toss the chicken into this mix, cover it up, and let it soak in all those flavors. The longer the better—at least 6 hours, but overnight is golden.

3. Coating Time: When you’re ready to cook, mix up the flour, garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper in one shallow bowl. In another, whisk the egg.

4. Air Fry Setup: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper (seriously, this stuff is magic).

A kitchen countertop scene showing the breading process for chicken. Includes bowls with seasoned flour and a beaten egg, and an air fryer basket ready for the coated chicken. Olive oil spray is nearby to highlight the preparation steps.

5. Bread and Fry: Working one at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg, then back into the flour. Make sure it’s well coated. Set it in the air fryer basket and lightly spritz with olive oil. For an extra crispy exterior, let the coated chicken sit for about 15 minutes before air frying.

6. Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Your chicken’s ready when it’s golden, crispy, and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

7. Make the Spicy Mayo: While the chicken’s doing its thing, mix up the mayo and Sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the spicy mayo on the top of each potato roll. Place your crispy chicken on the bottom, layer with dill pickle chips, and close it up with the top bun. That’s it—dig in!

Tips and Tricks

Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key! This technique ensures they cook uniformly without drying out. No one wants to bite into a dry chicken sandwich!
Brining = Flavor : The longer you brine the chicken, the juicier and more flavorful it becomes. If you’re short on time, even an hour will help, but letting it sit overnight is ideal for maximum flavor!
Extra Crunch: Double dipping the chicken in flour before air frying guarantees that satisfying crispy bite we all love!
Oil Spray is Key: A light spritz of olive oil is essential—it helps the breading brown beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that perfect golden color.
Customize Your Spice: Want more heat? Feel free to add extra Sriracha to the mayo or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breading for a spicy kick!

Benefits of This Recipe

Healthier Option: You can enjoy all the crunch and juiciness of a fried chicken sandwich without the guilt! Using an air fryer means you get that crispy texture without all the grease. It’s a win-win!
Easy Weeknight Dinner: Once you’ve brined the chicken, the rest is super quick! You can whip this up in under 20 minutes, which is fantastic for those busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Customizable: What I love about this sandwich is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings. Whether it’s extra pickles or some fresh veggies, it’s all about what your family enjoys!
Meal Prep Friendly: If you want to save time, try brining the chicken ahead of time. Then, when it’s mealtime, just toss it in the air fryer. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Kid-Friendly: Cooking for kids can be tricky, but this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser! Just leave out the Sriracha for a milder version, and I guarantee your little ones will love it just as much as you do.

Important Things About This Recipe

The Brine Makes It: You’ll love how the pickle juice and buttermilk work together! This brine not only keeps the chicken incredibly juicy but also infuses it with a zesty flavor that’s just out of this world.
Air Fryer Must-Have: If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer train yet, now’s the time! It gives the chicken that perfect crispy crunch without all the grease and hassle of deep frying. I promise you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!
Quick to Assemble: Once the chicken is ready, throwing the sandwich together is super simple! Just grab a soft bun, pile on some tangy pickles, and add a generous dollop of that spicy mayo. It’s fast, easy, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for busy days!
Healthier Alternative: Enjoying comfort food doesn’t have to mean compromising your health! This recipe gives you the same amazing taste as a fried chicken sandwich but is lower in fat and calories. You can indulge without the guilt!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Brining the chicken ahead of time is a game changer! When you’re ready to eat, just air fry it up. You can even make a little extra for quick sandwiches or salads the next day—meal prep made easy!

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