Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Ranch Coleslaw
Our Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a game-changer! With crispy breading, tender chicken, and a spicy buffalo sauce kick, it’s everything you love about a fast-food sandwich, but healthier. To balance out the heat, we add a creamy ranch coleslaw, making each bite full of flavor and texture. Ready to go from start to finish in 20 minutes, this homemade buffalo chicken sandwich is bound to be a family favorite!
Why Buffalo Sauce?
Buffalo sauce has a unique origin story, starting in a bar in Buffalo, NY, during the 1940s. Since then, it’s become a go-to for everything from buffalo wings to buffalo cauliflower. Now, this versatile sauce has found its way into countless recipes, and our air fryer version is no exception.
Key Ingredients for Your Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken: You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice each in half to make four portions.
- Chicken Breading: Flour, cornstarch, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, pepper, eggs, wing sauce, and buttermilk.
- Coleslaw Mix: Keep it simple with a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw. Mix with ranch dressing and a sprinkle of dry ranch seasoning.
- Sandwich Toppings: Soft buns, butter, extra wing sauce, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Sandwich in the Air Fryer
- Dry Breading: Whisk flour, cornstarch, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly.
- Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs and hot sauce in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Add buttermilk to the flour mixture to create clumps. Dip chicken into the egg, then back into the flour. Press it firmly to make the breading stick.
- Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket and chicken with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. If you see dry spots, add more oil spray for that crispy, deep-fried texture.
- Make the Ranch Coleslaw: While the chicken is cooking, mix the coleslaw with ranch dressing and ranch seasoning.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Butter the buns and toast them on a hot skillet. Place the crispy buffalo chicken on the bottom bun, add coleslaw, and drizzle more wing sauce on top.
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- No Buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens.
- Want Extra Heat? Increase the cayenne or choose a spicier buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Love Blue Cheese? Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese to add a different flavor profile.
- Store-bought Sauce Works: If you’re in a hurry, any store-bought buffalo sauce will do the trick.
This easy buffalo chicken sandwich recipe is a simple way to recreate your favorite fast-food meal at home. With the air fryer, you get the crispy texture you crave without the excess oil. Plus, the combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch coleslaw will keep you coming back for more!
