Description
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food! Perfectly breaded and air-fried chicken breasts coated in zesty buffalo sauce are stacked on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and tomato. This easy recipe delivers big flavor with less oil, making it a healthier choice for family dinners or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for the best results.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with cayenne pepper.
- Leave a third dish empty for dredging.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip it in the empty dish to remove extra coating, and finally press it into the panko mixture until well-coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Coat with Buffalo Sauce:
- Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Layer lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom bun, followed by the buffalo chicken. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top, then add the bun lid.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with a side of fries or salad for a complete meal!
Notes
- Make It Your Own: Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess, or swap lettuce and tomato for coleslaw.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F to regain crispiness.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bread the chicken and freeze it uncooked. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding 3–5 minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air-Frying
- Cuisine: American