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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 fillets or 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or preferred)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking spray

Notes

Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly flavorful, this Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken brings the iconic heat of Tennessee’s famous dish without deep frying! Juicy chicken is coated in a crunchy buttermilk breading, then brushed with a fiery Nashville hot sauce for a bold and delicious kick.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
  2. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra juiciness).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat evenly in the seasoned flour.
  3. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
  4. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Brush the spicy sauce over the crispy chicken immediately after air frying.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Serve on white bread, topped with pickles for an authentic Nashville experience.
  2. Enjoy with ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken:

✅ For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before air frying.
✅ Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne in the hot sauce.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed.
✅ Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
🔥 Enjoy this bold and crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken with all the spicy goodness! 🔥🍗