Air-Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for spraying
• 12 frozen mini waffles
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 12 toothpicks or slider skewers

Method

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

2. 2

   In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.

3. 3

   Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip each piece in the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour-panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

4. 4

   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between pieces, and spray tops lightly with oil.

5. 5

   Air fry at 375°F, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

   15:00 · Air fry chicken
6. 6

   Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat with any remaining pieces in batches as needed.

7. 7

   Arrange the frozen mini waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 375°F until warmed through and crisp.

   5:00 · Air fry waffles
8. 8

   Assemble sliders by placing a piece of crispy chicken between two mini waffles. Secure each slider with a toothpick.

9. 9

   Drizzle the assembled sliders with maple syrup just before serving.