This air-fried chicken sandwich is absolutely delicious and takes just 10 minutes in the air fryer! As someone who loves simple, flavourful food, the fact that I can prep and cook this meal in such a short amount of time is a huge win. I’m the kind of person who gets a little impatient if I have to wait too long for my food. So this recipe is perfect for those moments when I want something tasty but quick.
Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is an excellent way to achieve perfectly juicy meat with a wonderfully crispy skin. The air fryer allows the chicken to cook evenly and retain all its moisture, while the outside crisps up beautifully. For this recipe, I use a red pesto coating, which adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the chicken a lovely herby richness. The red pesto perfectly complements the savory chicken and elevates the overall taste, making each bite more satisfying than the last.
This chicken sandwich is not only quick but also versatile. The combination of the tender, pesto-infused chicken and the crunchy ciabatta roll creates a fantastic contrast in texture. The ciabatta roll is the perfect choice, providing a sturdy base for the flavorful chicken without overwhelming the dish. You can also customize the sandwich with additional toppings, such as fresh greens, slices of tomato, or a bit of cheese, depending on your preference.
Whether you are looking for a delicious meal to whip up on a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend lunch, this air-fried chicken sandwich is sure to hit the spot. It’s simple, flavourful, and ready in no time. What more could you ask for?
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and oven proof dish
Ingredients for air fryer chicken sandwich
2 Chicken thighs, scored
2 tablespoons of Red pesto
Ciabatta Roll
To serve:
Salad leaves
Sun dried tomatoes
Method
Start by using your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken thighs in the red pesto sauce. I then scored the meat and placed into an oven proof dish into my air fryer drawer and cooked on 180c for 10 minutes.
So after around 10 minutes I gave the chicken a stir and added my part baked ciabatta roll into the air fryer drawer. I then cooked for a further 5 minutes until the roll was toasted and the chicken had crispy skin. So check that the chicken thighs are cooked right through as all air fryers cook at different speeds.
Then I removed the ciabatta roll and the chicken thighs from the air fryer. And then sliced the meat off the bone and placed inside the ciabatta.
I served my air fried chicken sandwich with some salad and a sprinkle of sun dried tomatoes. So this is the perfect lunchtime treat for any day of the week.
This sandwich is not only delicious but also highly versatile. So you can customise it to suit your taste by adding different toppings or sides. For instance, you could include a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra layer of richness. Or if you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
So for a heartier meal, consider serving the sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or a cup of hearty vegetable soup. This will not only complement the sandwich but also make the meal even more filling. Whether you’re making this air fried pesto chicken sandwich for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the ease and convenience of air frying, along with the delicious results it produces.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken sandwich
1. Choose the Right Chicken Cut:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.
2. Pound the Chicken Evenly:
For even cooking, lightly pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.
3. Marinate or Season Well:
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, or season generously with your favourite spices and herbs. Classic combos like paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne add great flavour.
4. Use a Crispy Coating:
For a crunchy crust, coat your chicken in seasoned flour, breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes. For extra crispiness, dip in beaten egg or buttermilk before coating.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes to ensure the chicken starts crisping immediately.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with space between them for even airflow and crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
7. Flip Halfway Through:
Turn the chicken halfway through cooking (usually after 8-10 minutes) for golden, crispy results on both sides.
8. Check Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe eating.
9. Toast Your Bun:
Toast your sandwich buns in the air fryer for 1 or 2 minutes for extra crunch and warmth.
10. Add Fresh Toppings:
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a good sauce like mayo, spicy aioli, or BBQ sauce elevate your sandwich.
11. Rest Before Assembling:
Let your chicken rest a couple of minutes after cooking to lock in juices and keep it tender.
Follow these tips, and your air fryer chicken sandwich will be juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavour every time!
Similar recipes
If you love this air fryer pesto chicken sandwich then you may also like my air fryer chicken skewers or the air fryer breaded chicken recipe.
So if you are looking for more air fryer inspiration then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
Or check out my new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many more features to make your meal prepping easier.