Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich features tender chicken breasts marinated in pickle brine, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, served on a brioche bun with creamy miso mayonnaise for a flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10-12 oz each) Tender and juicy, the star of our sandwich.
- ½ cup garlic dill pickle brine Adds zing and moisture to the chicken.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour Creates that crispy outer coating.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Creates that crispy outer coating.
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs Offers an irresistible crunch.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Enhances flavor with a little kick.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch Helps achieve that perfect texture.
- ½ tsp MSG (optional) Boosts umami flavor.
- 2 large egg whites Binds the breading to the chicken.
- ½ cup buttermilk Adds richness and tenderness.
- cooking spray cooking spray Essential for air frying.
For the Miso Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or Kewpie) Creamy base for our sauce.
- 1 tbsp white miso paste Delivers a subtle umami depth.
- 2 tsp hot sauce (like Cholula) Adds a spicy punch.
For Assembly
- 4 pieces brioche burger buns Soft and buttery, perfect for holding all the goodness.
- 1 large dill pickle, sliced Crisp texture that complements the chicken.
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce Freshness for balance.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness.
- Place them into a bowl and marinate in garlic dill pickle brine for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Breading
- In one shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and MSG (if using).
- In another dish, beat the egg whites and mix in the buttermilk until smooth.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and coat it again in the flour mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, place the chicken in the basket, and spray the tops of the chicken.
- Cook for 12-14 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Miso Mayo
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, white miso paste, and hot sauce until smooth.
Assembly
- Lightly toast the brioche buns.
- Spread a generous amount of miso mayo on both the top and bottom bun halves.
- Layer with crispy lettuce leaves, place the freshly air-fried chicken on top, and add the sliced pickles.
- Crown it with the top bun.
Notes
Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 4 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeper. For an even crispier finish, you can incorporate a teaspoon of baking powder into your flour mixture.