Donaldo's Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with Soy-Garlic Glaze

The crispy, juicy chicken and sweet-savory glaze make this a standout handheld meal.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:20pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a fried chicken sandwich repeated in a grid, rendered in a palette of neon pinks, oranges, and blues, conceptually representing the modern, playful interpretation of a beloved comfort food.A vibrant, pop art-inspired take on the classic fried chicken sandwich, capturing the bold flavors and satisfying textures of this comfort food favorite.Today in Pittsburgh

Food creator Donaldo Estevam shares his recipe for an irresistible air-fried chicken sandwich featuring a thick, glossy soy-based glaze that balances sweet, spicy, tangy and umami flavors. The chicken is coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and served on a buttery brioche bun with cool cucumber salad and tangy pickles.

Why it matters

This recipe offers a fresh take on the classic fried chicken sandwich, elevating it with bold Asian-inspired flavors and an easy air-frying technique that makes it a healthier, more accessible option for home cooks. The versatile glaze could also be used to add big flavor to other proteins and vegetables.

The details

The key to this sandwich is the soy-garlic glaze, which is made by simmering together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, fish sauce, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper. The thick, glossy coating adds a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy and umami flavors. The chicken is coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and air-fried until golden brown and juicy. The sandwich is served on a soft brioche bun with a cool cucumber salad and tangy pickles.

  • The recipe was shared by digital food creator Donaldo Estevam in April 2026.

The players

Donaldo Estevam

A digital food creator and air-fryer expert known for his easy, big-flavored recipes geared to the home cook.

Gretchen McKay

A food writer who tested and shared Donaldo's recipe in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing like a fried chicken sandwich to put a giant smile on a sandwich lover's face.”

— Gretchen McKay

“The thick, glossy coating is a perfect mix of sweet (honey), spicy (red pepper and fresh ginger), tang (vinegar) and umami (fish sauce).”

— Gretchen McKay

The takeaway

This recipe offers a creative and flavorful twist on the classic fried chicken sandwich, using an air fryer to achieve a crispy crust and a bold, Asian-inspired glaze that elevates the dish. The versatile glaze could also be used to add big flavor to other proteins and vegetables, making it a valuable addition to any home cook's repertoire.