Air Fryer Crispy Chicken
Kimchi Breakfast Sandwich

A bold fusion breakfast featuring crunchy air-fried chicken, tangy fermented kimchi, and zesty yuzu pepper mayo on thick toasted milk bread.

Ingredients

• 150 g frozen breaded chicken pieces
• 2 slices thick white bread (Shokupan)
• 1 large leaf green lettuce
• 2 tbsp yuzu pepper mayonnaise
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 50 g cabbage kimchi

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Chicken

   

   Select your favorite frozen breaded chicken pieces for a fast and crispy breakfast. Pre breaded options provide a consistent crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft milk bread.

   Tip: Use high quality chicken nuggets or tenders to ensure a meaty bite in every mouthful.
2. 2Prepare the chicken for air frying

   

   Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Pour the frozen chicken pieces into the basket, spreading them out into a single layer to ensure even cooking.

   Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate freely, making the chicken extra crispy.
3. 3Start air frying

   

   Slide the basket back into the air fryer and set it to cook for approximately 15 minutes. This method provides a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

   Tip: Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a quick shake to flip the chicken pieces for the most even browning.
4. 4Slice the Shokupan

   

   Prepare two thick slices of white milk bread. This Japanese style bread is ideal because its airy texture and slight sweetness balance the spicy fermented notes of the kimchi.

   Tip: Thick cut slices are essential to support the weight of the fried chicken and toppings.
5. 5Place bread in the toaster

   

   Insert the thick bread slices into the slots of your toaster. Make sure they are centered so that both sides receive equal heat for a perfectly uniform toast.

   Tip: If your bread slices are too wide for the toaster, you can toast them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat instead.
6. 6Toast until golden

   

   Press the lever down to begin toasting. Aim for a light golden-brown finish that adds a slight crunch and structural support to the sandwich fillings without becoming too hard.

   Tip: Use a medium setting on your toaster to ensure the thick bread warms through completely without burning the surface.
7. 7Finish air frying the chicken

   

   After about 15 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer basket to check the chicken. The pieces should be deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. Ensure they are cooked through before proceeding to assembly.

   Tip: If the chicken isnt quite crispy enough, add another 2-3 minutes at a higher temperature setting.
8. 8Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces

   

   Transfer the hot fried chicken to a plate. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. This ensures the chicken is evenly distributed across the sandwich and makes it easier to eat.

   Tip: Letting the chicken rest for a minute before cutting helps keep the juices inside the meat.
9. 9Check the toasted bread

   

   Once the bread pops up, ensure it is evenly golden and crispy. The thick-cut slices provide the necessary structural integrity to hold the generous layers of chicken and kimchi.

   Tip: For the best results, use a thick-cut milk bread or brioche to get a soft interior with a crispy crust.
10. 10Base Layer Assembly

    

    Set one slice of the toasted bread onto a clean surface to begin the build. Starting with a warm base ensures the cheese melts slightly once added later.

    Tip: Use a flat plate to keep the sandwich stable during the stacking process.
11. 11Layer on the fresh lettuce

    

    Place a large, crisp green lettuce leaf directly onto the toasted bread slice. The lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and acts as a moisture barrier between the chicken and the bread.

    Tip: Make sure the lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent the toast from becoming soggy.
12. 12Add the fried chicken pieces

    

    Generously pile the cut-up pieces of crispy fried chicken onto the lettuce leaf. Distribute them evenly so that every bite of the sandwich contains plenty of flavorful chicken.

    Tip: If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle some chili flakes over the chicken at this stage.
13. 13Drizzle Yuzu Mayo

    

    Pour a generous amount of yuzu pepper mayonnaise over the warm chicken. The citrus notes provide a bright contrast to the savory breaded coating.

    Tip: If you do not have yuzu pepper mayo you can create a similar flavor by mixing standard Japanese mayonnaise with a touch of yuzu juice and black pepper.
14. 14Add the cheese

    

    Place a square slice of cheese directly over the fried chicken and yuzu pepper mayonnaise. The residual heat from the freshly cooked chicken will help soften the cheese, creating a creamy layer that helps bond the ingredients together as you build the sandwich.

    Tip: For a bit of extra flavor, you can use sharp cheddar or a slice of pepper jack if you prefer a spicier kick.
15. 15Top with fresh kimchi

    

    Once the cheese is in place, use chopsticks to layer a serving of tangy, spicy kimchi on top. The fermented crunch and acidic bite of the kimchi are essential for cutting through the richness of the fried chicken and cheese, making every bite refreshing.

    Tip: Squeeze any excess juice from the kimchi before adding it to the sandwich to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
16. 16Close and serve

    

    Place the final slice of toasted bread on top and press down gently to secure the layers. Slice the sandwich in half to reveal the colorful, appetizing cross-section before serving immediately.

    Tip: Toasting the bread well is crucial; it provides a sturdy structure that prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy from the kimchi and sauce.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions