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Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich

This crispy, spicy chicken sandwich is a comfort classic — made super easy in the air fryer! Crispy coated chicken thighs are topped with spicy sauce, crunchy slaw, and sliced pickles, served on a toasted brioche bun.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer, Chicken, Chicken Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken
Servings: 4 Sandwiches

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer
  • 3 Shallow baking dishes
  • parchment paper
  • bowl for mixing sauce
  • bowl for mixing coleslaw

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups corn flakes crushed into large crumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1.5 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 Tbsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Coleslaw

  • 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp honey

Spicy Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha chili sauce

For assembling

  • 4 brioche buns cut in half, if necessary
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • Sliced pickles of your preference

Instructions

  • Clean up chicken thighs by removing any tendons or excess fat.
  • In a shallow baking dish, beat 2 eggs and set aside.
  • In another shallow baking dish, whisk together flour and all the spices.
  • In the 3rd baking dish, add the crushed corn flakes.
  • Bread the chicken thighs by dredging through the spiced flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, then dip in the corn flake crumbs, pressing the crumbs into the chicken gently until every bit is coated in the crumbs.
  • Shake off any excess, and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.
  • Line air fryer baskets with parchment paper or use a non-stick liner. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
  • Place coated chicken in air fryer, and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cook for 25-35 minutes, flipping the chicken over after 15 minutes, and spraying again with non-stick cooking spray. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Time may vary depending on your air fryer.

Make the coleslaw

  • While chicken is cooking, prepare coleslaw dressing by whisking mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and honey together in a large bowl.
  • Add coleslaw mix and toss until combined. Set aside.

Make the spicy sauce

  • Make the spicy sauce by whisking together mayonnaise and chili sauce. Set aside.
  • Prepare brioche buns by lightly buttering cut sides and toast in a skillet, on a flat griddle, or under the oven broiler.
  • When the chicken is done, immediately sprinkle chicken with salt, then assemble the sandwiches.

Assemble the sandwiches

  • Spread spicy sauce on each toasted bun.
  • Top the bottom bun with slices of pickle, then 1 piece of crispy chicken.
  • Top chicken with ¼ cup prepared coleslaw. Top with the top side of the bun.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Did you make Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich? Post a photo on Instagram, and tag me @dinneratlulus and use the hashtag #dinneratlulus.