Air Fried Chicken Burger
When it comes to creating a meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious, this air fried chicken burger is a game-changer! This burger packs a flavorful punch, while keeping things light and nutritious.
Let’s talk about the ingredients:
- Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast. If I am using chicken breast, I slice it in a way so that I get 3 pieces per breast. Also for chicken breast you would want to flatten the pieces using a meat tenderizer hammer or you can poke it multiple times with a fork.
- Spice rub: the spice rub gives so much flavor. Divide it into 3 parts- one part is sprinkled onto the chicken, one part is added to the wet batter and the third part is added to the coating (because no one likes a bland coating!)
- Wet batter: this includes eggs and a very small amount of mayonnaise. The mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist. Also we add a third of the spice rub to flavor it.
4. Coating: here we have a few options. Either you can use homemade breadcrumbs, or you can use rolled/quick cook oats. But for every cup of breadcrumbs or oats you need to add 2 tablespoons of oil to it and lightly rub it so that most of the breadcrumbs/oats become coated with it. This will make the spice rub to stick to it and it will create a golden crust after baking.
5. Sauce: Any sauce goes well with this air fried chicken burger like my Cilantro and Mint Chutney. Or you can make a simple spicy mayo dip using mayonnaise, Siracha, vinegar, salt and black pepper. For a healthier version replace mayo with blended cottage cheese.
Can I make a large batch and refrigerate it?
Yes! Just make sure that the chicken pieces have cooled down completely and then store in an airtight container. The coating remains crispy with a wonderful crunch to it (especially if oats have been used). It will keep well for up to a week.
Enjoy this crispy flavorful healthy air fried chicken burger without the heavy oil and fat. Simple, flavorful, and nutritious, this recipe is the ultimate go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without the guilt.
Air Fried Chicken Burger
Ingredients
Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 6 boneless chicken thighs)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs OR rolled oats (I have used oats)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 2-4 tablespoons oil
- 6 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Cheese slices optional
Mayo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Blend:
- In a bowl mix together all the spices listed under the heading “Spice Blend”. We will be adding this to the chicken, eggs and the breadcrumbs.
Prepare the chicken:
- If using breasts, first cut it vertically into 2 so that there is a thinner and a thicker piece. Then cut the thicker piece horizontally. Now there are 3 pieces from 1 chicken breast. With a meat hammer, flatten all of them to an even thickness. This will also help to tenderize.
- If using boneless thighs it can be used directly.
- Take 1 tablespoon of the above spice blend and season each piece with it (both sides).
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a flat bowl, whisk the eggs and the mayonnaise well.
- Then add 1 teaspoon of the above spice blend to it and mix well.
Prepare the Coating:
- In another flat bowl, add the breadcrumbs or rolled oats.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons of oil to it and give it a mix so that most of it gets slightly coated with oil.
- Then add 1 teaspoon of the above spice blend to it and mix well.
Method:
- Take the seasoned chicken one at a time and give it a dip in the egg mixture and shake off the excess.
- Place it in the breadcrumbs/oats bowl and cover the chicken with it pressing firmly to help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Lay the chicken out and continue this process with the rest of the chicken pieces until all of them are coated.
- Lightly brush the air fryer (there is no need to heat it).
- Place a few of the chicken pieces making sure they do not touch or overlap.
- Air fry at 390F for 10 minutes. Flip and air fry at the same temperature for 5 minutes more (internal temperature should be around 165F).
- Once done, remove and continue until all the pieces are done.
Prepare the Mayo Dip
- Combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Assembling the Burger:
- Toast the buns if desired.
- Spread mayo dip on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, then the air fried chicken, tomato slice, cheese slice (if using) and finally a little more drizzle of the mayo tip before placing the top of the burger bun.