McDonalds fried chicken sandwich made without buttermilk is here! Also called the McChicken, you can make this super crispy with moist and juicy meat in your air fryer or deep fried at home now.
If you thought that you had to deep fry chicken patties to get them taste like the restaurant we have a surprise for you! This cooking method is way healthier because we cooked it as an air fryer recipe instead, but with the same crunchy results.
McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich
Let’s be honest, this came about because all of the restaurants were trying to make a Chick-fil-A chicken version. I mean I kinda’ love that because we don’t have that fast food restaurant in our small town so the next best thing has been the McChicken version. They taste VERY similar.
We first made this into air fryer homemade chicken nuggets but it was time to make it larger to fit on a bun with ALL the fixings. I will show you how to make fried chicken in air fryer and fried in peanut oil like they do. You choose which you desire, both are fabulous.
Cooking Tips
If you have ever made air fryer cube steak before you are familiar with using a tenderizer or mallet. You’ll do the same with the poultry so it’s easy to bite thru and it marinates in the pickle juice nicely. Yes, that is part of the second kitchen hack. Have you ever wondered how they get that bit of tang inside that meat? If you think about it I bet you will agree that it does have a bit of a pickles flavor huh?
To start the process for frying or air frying, you need to coat the outside properly to really seep in all those amazing flavors. If you are familiar with a great chicken marinade you know that you want to give it some time to soak. Don’t rush this my friends.
Let it sit for a minimum of 1 hour, but 5-6 is even better. If you love to meal prep then that should be accounted for. If you just throw it together around lunchtime you should be good to go. Then you’ll be ready to prepare from then on relatively quickly. You’re going to need:
Ingredient Notes
You will want a few medium sized Boneless skinless chicken breast filets pounded with a tenderizer in between two pieces of parchment paper or saran wrap.
All purpose flour is where we start in order to give it a coating which will crisp up nicely. If you need gluten free version, use our fried chicken in air fryer without flour alternative. We add a bit of powdered sugar to the powdered blend believe it or not too for sweetness.
Pickle juice is by far the best marinade. Not only is it packed with flavor but the acidity will tenderize the meat.
Whisked egg and milk will coat the outsides and help the “breading” on there so it doesn’t fall off. Or this is how to bread chicken without eggs if you cannot handle eggs.
Seasonings are versatile but used were: paprika, salt and pepper, onion powder works and cayenne or red pepper flakes is nice if you want to add some heat.
Get out 3 bowls for the different steps. One you’ll combine the flour, dry ingredients. The other will hold the whisked egg mixture. You want something big enough to coat both sides of the chicken well in the flour mixture to get a thick coating.
McChicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 2 bowls
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless skinless, pounded flat
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1.5 cup all purpose flour
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Pound meat flat with mallet in between two pieces of parchment or plastic wrap. Soak chicken filets in dill pickle juice for at least one hour but preferably up to 6 hours. Drain pickle juice from chicken pieces and pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cayenne pepper (optional for heat), black pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Whisk together the milk and egg until well blended. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk & egg mixture
- Toss filet in the flour mixture to coat on all sides well, lift up to allow excess to fall off.
- * If frying * Shake off extra flour and gently place the chicken into hot peanut oil. Fry the chicken filet for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is 165 degrees inside and juices run clear. Drain on clean paper towels.
- * In the air fryer * Follow the marinating and seasoning instructions as directed. After breading, spray the chicken filets heavily with olive oil spray. Preheat machine to 370 degrees F. Spray inside basket with non stick spray when ready.
- Place the chicken onto the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the filets halfway thru the time and spraying with olive oil spray when flipped.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken?
Not fresh, those can’t be breaded. Instead follow our air fryer frozen chicken patties directions since that is already done for you. Same goes for using a few strips of frozen chicken tenders in air fryer to lay on buns with the same toppings. Not the same flavors but an option.
What toppings are on a McChicken?
Pickles are typically the only thing on there. A lightly toasted bun of course. You can add slices of tomatoes if you like. I like a little lettuce to add texture to your crispy chicken. Cheese is optional. You could add a wipe of mayonnaise, fry sauce or mustard sauce on to your air fryer chicken patty too And there you have it, your air fryer Mcdonalds fried chicken sandwich!!
Ninja Foodi Option
Now if you wanted to make this as one of our Ninja Foodi recipes you could. Only difference is that you want to use the basket with the holes on the bottom inside. Use the lid that is attached to cook with the air crisp button on the front.
Deep Fried Option
If you do choose to submerge into oil like Fried Chicken Cutlets you’ll need to remember to: Use peanut oil to deep fry. Wait until the temperature reaches 390 degrees to 400 degrees F before adding food. Shake off excess flour before submerging. Carefully drop one in at a time. Only fry for about 4 – 6 minutes Check internal meat temperature before consuming to ensure it is 165 F.
