Tired of buying the same old soggy sandwiches for lunch? Why not make your own crispy and delicious air fryer pesto chicken sandwich? It’s a simple way to enjoy a satisfying lunch without the disappointment of store-bought options. Give it a try!

In the hustle of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a healthy and filling lunch for the whole family. We’ve all been there – the struggle of juggling responsibilities, and the guilt that comes with resorting to take out lunch too frequently.

This air fryer pesto chicken sandwich offers a simple solution for those weekdays when you crave a tasty yet easy meal for lunch without the lingering guilt of opting for the quick, but often unhealthy, fix. 

With only simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal for lunch to enjoy without disrupting your busy schedule. 

Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on takeout expenses and make something healthy at home!

Is Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich Healthy?

The beauty of this chicken pesto sandwich recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of wholesome ingredients. From the chicken to the pesto, every component brings something nutritious to the table.

And with the air fryer in action, you’re cutting down on excess oil without sacrificing that crispy texture of the sandwich. It’s a balanced mix of ingredients that provides the right amount of protein, healthy fats, and greens to fuel both you and your little ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

• 1lb (about 2 medium) thin chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tsp adobo seasoning
• 4 ciabatta rolls
• ¼ cup pesto
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Sprinkle both sides of your flattened chicken breasts with adobo seasoning (or other seasoned salt of your choice) and let it sit for 5 minutes.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 375° F and pop in your seasoned chicken. Cook for 6 minutes.

3. Carefully flip the chicken and continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F. Ensure both sides are equally cooked.

No air fryer? Alternatively, you can use a large skillet over medium heat to cook the chicken. Grease the skillet with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken breasts for 5 to 8 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers of the breasts reads 165° F. 

4. When both sides are cooked evenly, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Each piece should be about 2 inches in length and width. Set aside.

5. Wipe out the air fryer basket.

6. Slice the ciabatta rolls in half.

7. Start assembling your sandwiches by spreading the pesto sauce on each slice of the ciabatta rolls.

8. Top your sandwich with Swiss cheese, chicken strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. Add a pinch of salt on top and close with the other half. (As an optional step, lightly brush the tops and bottoms of the bread with olive oil to seal in the moisture within the bread. This also helps achieve the perfect golden brown and crunchiness.)

9. Turn the air fryer setting to 350° F. Place the sandwiches in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Flip the sandwich and keep for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure both sides are evenly cooked to your desired level of crispiness.

(Alternatively, cook sandwiches over medium heat on a skillet until the first side is toasted and flip. The sandwiches are done when both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.)

Enjoy your crispy air fryer pesto chicken sandwich!

Variation Ideas

The key to this delicious air fryer pesto chicken breast is to experiment and find your perfect flavor combination. Here are some ideas:

• Meat choice: While this air fryer chicken sandwich recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can easily substitute these for boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can also use leftover baked chicken, chicken tenders or shredded chicken instead. Or make these air fryer chicken leg quarters as another delicious lunch option. And if you have leftover chicken, use it up in these healthy lentil quesadillas!

• Spicy Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of pepper and chili powder or spread some homemade Cajun butter onto the chicken for a spicy kick. Experiment and customize the spice levels and ingredients to suit the preferences of the whole family. 
  
  
• Bread Choice: Swap out your usual bread for some whole grain, sourdough, or a crispy baguette. Each bread type brings a unique texture and flavor to your sandwich.
  
  
• Pesto Variety: Explore different pesto options. Whether it’s homemade or store-bought pesto, it’s the secret sauce to achieve a flavor-packed chicken sandwich. If you opt to make your own, changing up the pesto base or adding extra garlic cloves elevates the burst of flavor.
  
  
• Cheesy Goodness: Swap the Swiss for sharp cheddar to bring a bold and tangy twist to your sandwich. The richness of cheddar pairs well with the pesto and creates a comforting flavor. You can also combine different cheese varieties. Blend cheddar and Swiss, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella or parmesan cheese, to add a gooey and melty texture to your sandwich.
  
  
• Veggie Crunch: Opt for an even healthier version by adding some raw veggies. A mix of bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and other greens are some of the options to experiment with.

Tips For Best Results

• Marinade Magic: Infuse your chicken with flavor by marinating it in a simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper for around 30 minutes. This easy step ensures the meat juicy and is nicely seasoned on the inside.
  
• Stuffed Chicken: If the chicken breasts you have on hand are too thick you can cut them in the center halfway through to create chicken pockets and stuff the middle with more pesto goodness and fresh mozzarella cheese. Or pound the chicken to turn them into chicken cutlets.
  
  
• Temperature Check: Ensuring the perfect doneness by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is crucial especially when it comes to air fryer chicken recipes. This helps prevent the chicken from undercooking or overcooking.
  
  
• Optimal Air Fryer Basket Placement: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Utilize the space efficiently by arranging the chicken in a single layer to let that hot air circulate to ensure your air fryer chicken pesto cooks evenly.

Storage

Storing: Got some leftovers? Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. This pesto air fryer chicken holds up well for a couple of days, perfect for quick reheats on busy weeknights. Don’t forget to save some extra pesto to drizzle over the chicken when reheating to keep that great flavor intact.

Make Ahead: Consider making a double batch and freeze half for a later date. Before storing, ensure your air fryer pesto chicken sandwiches have cooled down a bit. Wrap the sandwiches individually in paper towels and seal them in an airtight container. Then, freeze your homemade pesto in ice cube trays. When the craving hits, pop out a few cubes and let them thaw.

Pro Tip: Label with the date, and you’ve got a tasty meal waiting for you when time is tight.

One Last Thing

Turn this recipe into a fun family activity! Let each family member assemble their own sandwich. It’s a fantastic way to involve everyone in the cooking process and create a bonding experience right in your kitchen.

Whether it’s your little one smearing homemade pesto on the bread or your partner building a stack of sandwiches, these moments are worth cherishing!

And, the beauty of this recipe is that it can be a great option as a complete meal on a busy night with no meal prep necessary. Just pair this chicken pesto sandwich with potato wedges or mushroom hummus and enjoy a tasty dinner!

Your Turn

If you make this delicious air fryer pesto chicken sandwich, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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