Description
Spicy southern air fryer hot chicken ham and cheese fuses Nashville’s fiery spirit with melty, comforting flavors. Crispy breaded chicken nestled with salty ham and gooey cheese creates a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (thinly sliced or pounded to 0.5 inch thickness)
- 4 slices deli ham
Cheese and Bread:
- 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls
Seasonings and Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Dijon mustard
- mayonnaise
- lettuce or baby spinach
Instructions
- Transform chicken breasts into flavor-packed canvases by generously coating both sides with a robust blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring maximum heat circulation and even cooking.
- Activate the air fryer to 375F (190C) and cook the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee thorough and uniform preparation, until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C).
- While chicken rests momentarily, prepare sandwich components by laying a delicate slice of ham and melted cheese atop each perfectly cooked breast.
- Gently brush sandwich buns’ interior with golden, liquefied butter, creating a rich foundation for additional condiments like tangy mustard or creamy mayonnaise.
- Position bun bottoms inside the air fryer, carefully layer with cheese-adorned chicken and ham, then crown with bun tops slightly offset to prevent excessive moisture absorption.
- Crisp the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts luxuriously and buns transform into golden, crunchy vessels.
- Elevate the final presentation by nestling fresh lettuce or vibrant spinach leaves between layers, then serve these gourmet air-fried creations immediately while warmth and texture remain pristine.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispy exterior.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature for perfectly cooked meat.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular buns with gluten-free alternatives or lettuce wraps.
- Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or Swiss for varied flavor profiles.
- Quickly brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for an extra aromatic and rich taste experience.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg