INCREDIBLE Air Fryer Zinger Burger — Crispy, juicy chicken with a PERFECTLY spiced coating, served with fresh veggies and a CREAMY garlic sauce! This EASY homemade version of the fast-food favorite is ready in under 40 minutes and will become your new weekend OBSESSION!
Get ready to transform your kitchen into your favorite fast-food joint with this healthier, air-fried version of the classic Zinger Burger! With a buttermilk-marinated chicken breast and a perfectly seasoned coating, this burger brings all the crunch and bold flavor with less oil than deep frying!
Whether you’re craving takeout or just want to impress your family with a restaurant-quality burger, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of spice, crunch, and juiciness every single time!
Zinger Burger Ingredients
For this AMAZING homemade burger that rivals any fast-food version, you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons Buffalo hot sauce (optional)
- 2 chicken breasts, halved
For the Breading:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickle slices (optional)
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for more complete directions.
How to Make the Perfect Zinger Burger
Creating this takeout favorite at home is easier than you think! Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk mixture (3-4 hours or minimum 30 minutes)
- Mix breading ingredients thoroughly
- Coat marinated chicken in seasoned breading
- Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes
- Prepare the creamy garlic sauce
- Toast buns and assemble your burger
- Prepare for burger bliss!
Tips for Zinger Burger Success
Tip 1: Perfect Marinade Time
While 3-4 hours is ideal, even 30 minutes of marinating will give you tender, flavorful chicken. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while adding fantastic flavor!
Tip 2: Getting the Crispiest Coating
Double-dip your chicken in the marinade and breading mixture for an extra-thick, super crunchy crust that will stay crispy!
Tip 3: Air Fryer Temperature
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave space between pieces for the best crispy results!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken overnight and mix the dry ingredients in advance, but cook the chicken just before serving for the best crispiness!
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Done?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy!
Can I Make This Less Spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your taste.
What’s the Best Bun to Use?
A slightly sweet brioche bun works wonderfully, but any fresh burger bun will do. Just don’t forget to toast it!
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
While buttermilk is best for tenderizing, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
What Sides Go Well With This?
Serve with air fryer fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for the perfect meal!
Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness!
This homemade Zinger Burger is truly a game-changer that brings your favorite takeout flavors right to your kitchen! Perfect for weekend treats, game day, or whenever you’re craving something INCREDIBLY delicious!
KFC Zinger Burger – Air Fryer Version
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Buffalo hot sauce optional
- 2 chicken breasts halved (to make 4 thin pieces)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano optional
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Assembling the Burger:
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves sliced
- Tomato slices
- Pickle slices optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a deep bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and optional Buffalo hot sauce to create a flavorful marinade that makes the chicken tender and juicy. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade so they are completely covered, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3–4 hours to maximize flavor and tenderness; if short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and any optional dried herbs like thyme or oregano to create the breading mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which will add delicious aroma and extra crispiness to the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off so the breading adheres better. Coat each piece of chicken in the breading mixture, pressing down to create a thick, even layer; for an even crispier crust, dip the chicken back into the marinade and then re-coat in the breading mixture.
- Air Fry the Chicken: To ensure a crispy coating when air frying, lightly spray or brush each piece of chicken with oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with more oil; before serving, check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth to create a creamy and slightly tangy sauce that complements the spicy chicken. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if desired to achieve your preferred flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Slice the buns in half and toast the cut sides on a skillet or in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes until golden. This toasting helps the buns hold the filling and prevents them from getting soggy when served with the chicken.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom half of the bun. Add a layer of lettuce for crunch, then place the crispy chicken on top of the lettuce. Add a slice of tomato for freshness and drizzle a bit more sauce on top of the tomato for extra juiciness. Finally, cover with the top bun to complete your burger.
Notes
- Adjust the spice: Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to make the burger more or less spicy.
- Extra crispiness: Double-dip the chicken in the marinade and breading for a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Add cheese: For a twist, melt a slice of cheese on the chicken during the last few minutes of air frying.
