Creating your Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:

1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator for added flavor and tenderness.

2. Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

3. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Ensure an even coating for a crispy finish.

4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing the basket to heat up.

5. Arrange Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.

6. Cook Chicken: Air fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Toast Buns: If desired, add the burger buns to the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to toast them lightly.

8. Assemble Sandwiches: Once cooked, remove the chicken and let them rest for a few minutes. Place each chicken breast on a bun, and add lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and your preferred sauce.

9. Serve: Close the sandwiches, slice in half if necessary, and serve immediately while warm.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll create an incredible Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich that’s sure to be a hit at your dining table!