Craving a spicy, crispy chicken burger but don’t want the greasy takeout? Well, you’re in the right place! These air fryer spicy chicken burgers are the perfect solution. With just three ingredients for the chicken, no flour, and no egg, they’re not only tasty but also lower in fat than what you’d get from fast food chains like KFC. Let’s get cooking!
Method in Detail
Flatten the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of clingfilm. This helps prevent mess and ensures that the chicken stays tender while you flatten it. Use a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness. Flattening the chicken evenly is essential as it ensures the chicken cooks at the same rate, resulting in juicy, tender meat and a crispy exterior.
Prepare the Cornflakes
Next, take your cornflakes and blitz them in a food processor until you achieve a fine crumb. The finer the cornflake crumbs, the better they will stick to the chicken, forming a crispier coating. This step is important as it creates that satisfying crunch, mimicking the texture of deep-fried chicken, but with much less oil. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them manually using a rolling pin, but the food processor works best for consistency.
Coat the Chicken
Once your chicken is flattened and the cornflakes are ready, dip the chicken breasts into the hot sauce. Ensure the chicken is fully covered in sauce to infuse it with the spicy kick. After that, roll the saucy chicken breasts into the cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. The cornflakes should stick to the chicken and form a crunchy outer layer that will become beautifully golden when cooked.
Cook in the Airfryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C and place the coated chicken breasts inside. Set the timer for 15-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Air frying is an excellent method because it uses hot air circulation to crisp up the coating without all the added fat of deep-frying. Be sure to check halfway through to ensure that the chicken is cooking evenly. You’ll know the chicken is done when the coating is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
Assemble the Burger
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your buns. You can toast them slightly in the air fryer or on a skillet for an added crunch. Once the chicken is done, place it on the buns. Add your favorite toppings like light mayo, fresh iceberg lettuce, or anything else you love. You can even turn this into a wrap if you prefer!
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is assembled, serve your spicy chicken burgers hot and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness! You can pair them with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Necessary Tools
- Rolling pin
- Clingfilm (for flattening chicken)
- Food processor (to blitz cornflakes)
- Air fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or bowl for the hot sauce and cornflakes
Airfryer Spicy Chicken Burgers
Cuisine: SingaporeDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 seeded buns (around 165 calories each)
2 chicken breasts, flattened
100ml hot sauce
100g of blitzed or crushed cornflakes (you may need a little more depending on thickness)
Toppings or sauce of your choice
2 x baps (optional)
Directions
- Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between clingfilm and flatten them using a rolling pin. This will ensure they cook evenly and become nice and tender.
- Prepare the Cornflakes: Blitz the cornflakes in a food processor until you get a fine crumb. The finer the crumbs, the easier they will stick to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the flattened chicken breasts in the hot sauce, making sure they are well-covered, then coat them in the crushed cornflakes. Press down gently to ensure they stick.
- Cook in the Airfryer: Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook at 190°C for 15-17 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
- Assemble the Burger: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your buns. You can toast them if you like, then add your choice of toppings. I love adding a bit of light mayo and some fresh iceberg lettuce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your chicken is ready, place it on the buns, top with your favorite sauces and toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
- Flattening the Chicken: Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts evenly for quicker and more even cooking.
- Cornflakes Coating: If you want a super crispy crust, don’t be shy with the cornflakes. You can always add more if needed!
- Airfryer Cooking Time: The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken, so it’s a good idea to check it halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these spicy chicken burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Want extra spice? Add some jalapeños or sriracha sauce to your toppings!
- You can even turn this into a wrap by using a large tortilla instead of a bun.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the air fryer was invented in 2005? It’s become a game-changer for people wanting to cook healthier versions of their favorite fried foods without sacrificing that crispy texture!
Conclusion
These air fryer spicy chicken burgers are easy to make, healthier than fast food, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying. Plus, they’re fully customizable, so you can add all your favorite toppings. Give them a try and enjoy a crispy, delicious burger without the guilt!
