Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken that gets a hefty dose of spice thanks to hot sauce and cayenne in the coating as well as a spicy sauce drizzled over the top.

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main course

Calories: 225kcal

Serving Size: 8

Cuisine: American

Ingredients: 
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast tenders
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp. pickle juice
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • cooking spray

Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions:

  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Pour the flour into a bowl and mix in remaining 1/2 teaspoon or salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
  • Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and remaining tablespoon of hot sauce in a separate bowl.
  • To dredge the chicken, first place it in the flour toss each piece to evenly coat.
  • Then place it into the buttermilk mixture, and then back into the flour.
  • Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Continue to finish the other tenders.
  • Let air dry for 10 minutes.
  • Set your Air Fryer to the chicken setting or 375 degrees.
  • Place your tenders in the Air Fryer dish (in batches) in a single layer and lightly coat with cooking spray
  • Cook for 5-6 minutes or press the chicken pre-set function on your Air Fryer . Then turn over the chicken and coat with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown 5-7 minutes longer.

  • To make the hot spicy sauce, whisk together the spices, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of olive oil until evenly combined.
  • Immediately pour it over the fried chicken tenders.
  • Serve with pickles.