This air fryer cajun chicken sandwich recipe proves you can make the perfect chicken sandwich right at home. With deliciously spicy chicken, cajun mayo, red onion and sweet tomato, this delicious sandwich is even better than your favorite local bar.
Craving a spicy chicken sandwich without leaving the comforts of your home? I know I was last week! And thank goodness, because these air fryer cajun chicken sandwiches were "love at first bite." This simple recipe is going to become a regular in my weekly meal plan.
Coated with spicy cajun seasoning, this chicken was cooked to juicy perfection in my air fryer. Add some sliced tomato, lettuce, and onion on fluffy kaiser rolls, and you have a tasty sandwich that is quick and simple but full of big flavor. Don't forget the secret sauce! It's just mayo mixed with cajun spices, and couldn't be easier.
Serve these sandwiches with some sweet potato or French fries, or a simple green salad for a lighter option. Leftovers would be perfect on top of a caesar salad or Mac and cheese! If, like me, you can't get enough of Cajun flavors, try this delicious cajun chicken orzo.
You Will Love This
- Looking for new healthy recipes? This is a great lightened up version of a classic spicy chicken sandwich. With all the flavor in this sandwich, you won't miss the breading or frying. This is a perfect comfort food recipe for those focusing on healthy eating, and is delicious both with and without the bun.
- These chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep. They are quick and easy, and would be great on salads, pasta or, of course, in sandwiches (!) throughout the week.
- I have both a spicy and a mild version of the cajun seasoning mix below. Adjust it as you wish to suite your family's taste!
Ingredients
For this cajun chicken sandwich recipe, you need the following simple ingredients (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Homemade cajun seasoning mix, which includes garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, oregano and cayenne pepper (or chili powder). Feel free to substitute a store-bought cajun seasoning blend in this recipe to save time! My favorite is McCormick Gourmet cajun seasoning.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Homemade cajun seasoning mix, which includes garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, oregano and cayenne pepper (or chili powder). Feel free to substitute a store-bought cajun seasoning blend in this recipe to save time! My favorite is McCormick Gourmet cajun seasoning.
- Green leaf lettuce
- Large slicing tomato
- Red onion
- Kaiser rolls: Feel free to substitute whatever type of roll you prefer. Brioche buns would be great!
- Mayo
Instructions
Step One: Measure out all the spices and mix them together to make your homemade cajun seasoning mix. If you are using a store-bought cajun seasoning, you will need about 1.5 tablespoons. Set aside 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning to make your spicy mayo. Mix the remaining cajun seasoning with the olive oil in a small bowl.
Step Two: Prepare the chicken breasts. Each chicken breast should be 5-6 ounces. If your chicken breasts are very large, slice them in half lengthwise to make them thinner. Cover the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast to an even thickness. Dip each chicken breast in the olive oil and spices, making sure to evenly coat each piece of chicken.
Step Three: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Put the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in an even layer, being careful that they do not overlap. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken may take longer depending on thickness. It is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes.
Step Four: Portion out 2 tablespoons of mayo, and add the reserved cajun seasoning. I suggest mixing in the seasoning little by little, to taste. Spread about ½ tablespoon of the cajun mayo onto each Kaiser roll. Top with chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Feel free to add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese if you'd like, and enjoy!
Storage
Leftover chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This leftover chicken is perfect on salads and pastas throughout the week!
Recipe
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 small breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (substitute chili powder for a milder chicken)
- 4 kaiser rolls
- 1 large tomato sliced
- ½ red onion sliced
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Measure out all the spices and mix them together to make your homemade cajun seasoning mix. If you are using a store-bought cajun seasoning, you will need about 1.5 tablespoons. Set aside 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning to make your spicy mayo. Mix the remaining cajun seasoning with the olive oil in a small bowl.
- Prepare the chicken breasts. Each chicken breast should be 5-6 ounces. If your chicken breasts are very large, slice them in half lengthwise to make them thinner. Cover the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast to an even thickness. Dip each chicken breast in the olive oil and spices, making sure to evenly coat each piece of chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Put the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in an even layer, being careful that they do not overlap. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken may take longer depending on thickness. It is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Portion out 2 tablespoons of mayo, and add the reserved cajun seasoning. I suggest mixing in the seasoning little by little, to taste. Spread about ½ tablespoon of the cajun mayo onto each Kaiser roll. Top with chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Feel free to add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese if you'd like, and enjoy!
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