Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich – Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!

Golden, air-fried chicken cutlets meet gooey mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—all piled onto toasted sandwich buns. This Tuscan-inspired sandwich is everything: crispy, cheesy, fresh, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend lunch. 

Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich – Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!

Sunshine, a light breeze, and the sound of dinner sizzling in the air fryer—this is our idea of the perfect mealtime moment. This Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich has become a go-to for casual patio lunches and breezy summer dinners. It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it always feels like a little escape to the Italian countryside (even if we’re just steps away from the kitchen).

Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken turns out incredibly juicy inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside—no deep frying required. Each bite is layered with melted mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and torn basil, tucked into a toasted bun that soaks up every drop of flavor. The best part? It’s on the table fast, without a lot of fuss. This is one of those recipes that feels special, but is simple enough to whip up on any given Tuesday—and that’s why we keep coming back to it.

Enjoy!

Tuscan Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

🛒 Shopping List

Produce

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil

Meat & Dairy

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Mozzarella cheese slices

Pantry

• All-purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Corn flakes (or panko breadcrumbs)
• Salt

Bread

• Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• No Corn Flakes?:  Swap with panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy texture. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for added crunch.

• Mozzarella Cheese Options:  Use provolone, fontina, or even sliced Havarti for a delicious melt. Fresh mozzarella is great, too—just slice it thinly so it melts evenly.

• Tomatoes Not in Season?:  Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil make a flavorful substitute. Just chop them finely and mix with a bit of fresh basil.

Variations

• Tuscan Chicken Caprese Sandwich:  Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tomato-basil topping for a caprese-inspired upgrade.

• Spicy Tuscan Twist:  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or stir some Calabrian chili paste into the tomato salad for a bit of heat.

• Tuscan Chicken Wraps:  Wrap the crispy chicken, cheese, and tomato-basil salad in a warm flatbread or tortilla for a fresh take on lunch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Pounding Chicken Evenly:  Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap before pounding to keep things tidy and help it cook evenly.

• Make Ahead Tip:  You can prep and bread the chicken in advance—just store it covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours before air frying.

• Toasting the Buns:  Toast the sandwich buns in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.

• Leftover Chicken:  Leftover cutlets are great on salads, sliced over pasta, or even turned into crispy chicken parmesan the next day!

     ITEMS YOU MAY NEED     

Air Fryer - I use this one and it is essential to getting juicy, crispy chicken breasts!

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Easy Does It: Almond Poppyseed Muffins for Everyday Mornings

Soft, nutty, and just sweet enough—these Almond Poppyseed Muffins are your new low-fuss, high-reward morning treat.

Easy Does It: Almond Poppyseed Muffins for Everyday Mornings

I make batches of six muffins all the time—small, just-right amounts that never overwhelm the kitchen or the fridge. I love that this recipe is all about one bowl, fuss-free mixing, and quick prep. It’s the kind of baking that fits perfectly into busy mornings or relaxed weekends when you want something warm and homemade without the hassle.

These Almond Poppyseed Muffins come together effortlessly, with simple ingredients and a gentle whisk. Soon enough, your kitchen fills with the cozy scent of almond extract, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment. Bite into one and you’ll find a tender crumb, just the right touch of sweetness, and the subtle crunch of poppyseeds that keeps things interesting. They’re humble little muffins, but somehow they turn everyday mornings into a small celebration.

What I love most is how these six golden muffins remind me that good things don’t have to be complicated. Whether paired with a quiet cup of tea or grabbed on the go, they’re the kind of treat that fits right into your day—easy, comforting, and perfectly portioned for just you or a loved one. 

What Ingredients do I need?

Baking Aisle

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Poppyseeds
• Almond extract

Dairy

• Milk
• Egg

Oils & Vinegars

• Canola oil

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Milk: Use any dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

• Canola Oil: Substitute with melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or light olive oil.

• All-Purpose Flour: Swap for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber (may change texture slightly).

• Sugar: Use coconut sugar, maple syrup (reduce other liquids slightly), or honey as natural sweetener alternatives.

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the almond and poppyseeds.

• Blueberry Boost: Fold in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries for a juicy burst in every bite.

• Nutty Upgrade: Swap canola oil for melted butter and sprinkle chopped toasted almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Blackberry Lemon Poppyseed Muffins turn out perfectly every time—and some storage advice to keep them fresh!

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps are fine—overmixing can lead to the dreaded "dense muffin".

• Fill 'em Up!:   Fill the muffin wells to the top with batter for nice big domed muffins!

• Toss Berries in Flour: To prevent the blackberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your muffins at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready.

• Cool Before Storing: Let your muffins cool completely before storing them. This helps avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Storage: Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them cool, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

• Reheat for Freshness: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

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Summer-Fresh Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes – A 20-Minute Skillet Wonder!

Who needs meat when summer veggies steal the show? This Summer-Fresh Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes is a 20-minute skillet miracle—golden, juicy, and proof that vegetarian can still bring the sizzle.

Summer-Fresh Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes – A 20-Minute Skillet Wonder!

I was aimlessly scrolling the New York Times cooking section (as one does when avoiding doing the dishes), and this recipe practically jumped off the screen: Crispy Gnocchi With Tomato and Red Onion. It had all the makings of a summer miracle—minimal ingredients, stovetop-only cooking (no oven in July, thank you very much), and a promise of golden, crispy gnocchi in under 30 minutes. Naturally, I had to try it so I put my own spin on it and called it:  Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes and Red Onion.  The only variation I made was to use a mixture of different tomatoes such as cherry, grape, and Roma tomatoes for for added texture, color, and that sweet-tart punch that only peak summer produce delivers.  And let me just say: boy, is this one a winner.

This dish is what I like to call a “produce power move.” Juicy tomatoes, sweet red onion, and fresh herbs bring the kind of bright, bold flavor that makes you forget all about meat. The gnocchi—pan-fried to a perfect crisp—soaks up the tangy balsamic and tomato juices, creating a savory-sweet combo that’s surprisingly hearty. And while I’m usually the one asking, “Where’s the protein?”—this dish is so satisfying, even this committed carnivore didn’t miss the meat.

Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or just trying to use up that bowl of garden tomatoes on the counter, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all season long.

Enjoy!

🌿 Set the Mood: A Summer Evening Escape

Picture this: a warm evening breeze, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of a backyard shade tree, and a table set with casual charm. This crispy gnocchi dish begs to be enjoyed alfresco—preferably barefoot, with linen napkins, flickering tea lights, and a chilled glass of wine in hand.

Wine Pairing:
A crisp rosé or Vermentino, or Sauvignon Blanc makes a lovely companion, cutting through the richness of the olive oil and lifting the sweet acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir served slightly chilled would also work beautifully. 

On the Side:
Keep things simple and seasonal with a baguette and grilled peaches with burrata. For dessert, think lemon sorbet or fresh berries with whipped mascarpone—something cool, light, and just a little indulgent.

This is the kind of dinner that invites you to linger at the table, refill your glass, and maybe even forget what day of the week it is. Pure summer magic.

🛒 What to Grab at the Market

No need to overthink this one—just toss these fresh, summery staples into your basket and you’re halfway to dinner bliss:

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or frozen)

• A mix of ripe tomatoes (cherry, grape, heirloom—go wild!)

• Red onion

• Balsamic vinegar

• Fresh parsley

• Fresh basil

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

Tip: Raid your herb garden or snag a bunch of fresh basil at the farmer’s market—it’ll make this dish feel extra lush.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is endlessly adaptable—think of it as your crispy gnocchi canvas. Here are a few tasty ways to switch things up:

• Add Cheese: Toss in crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving for a creamy, salty finish.

• Try a Protein Boost: Add pan-seared shrimp, grilled chicken, or even a soft-boiled egg on top to make it heartier (if you're not keeping it vegetarian).

• Change Up the Herbs: Swap parsley and basil for whatever’s in your garden—think dill, mint, or even a little thyme.

• Roasted Veggies Remix: Add in roasted zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for more color and seasonal flair.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp for a little kick.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best crispy gnocchi texture—this helps prevent sticking and gives you that perfect golden crust.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the gnocchi in batches if needed to ensure each piece gets crispy and evenly browned.

• Mix up your tomatoes. Combining different varieties not only looks beautiful but adds layers of flavor and texture to the dish.

• Make it ahead! You can prepare the tomato-onion mixture a few hours before and refrigerate—just toss the crispy gnocchi in right before serving.

• Serve immediately or at room temperature. This dish is flexible and just as delicious warm or at room temp, making it great for summer gatherings.

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