Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken brings the spicy kick of Nashville hot sauce to your weeknight meal with no deep frying required. Enjoy this easy-to-make, buttermilk-soaked, crispy chicken that’s juicy, tender, and deliciously flavored with that iconic Nashville heat.

If you are looking for a new recipe to bring excitement to mealtimes, you are in the right place. This air fryer Nashville hot chicken recipe is a fantastic way to change how you cook chicken. The juicy chicken is marinated in a yummy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, adding the perfect depth of flavor to the meat. It is then double-dredged in deliciously seasoned flour and air-fried, creating a fantastic, crunchy crust. Perfect for any night of the week, this recipe is about to improve your dinner game. 

The best part? This recipe isn’t extremely difficult to make. You can quickly enjoy a fresh batch of air fryer Nashville hot chicken, requiring only a few easy steps and simple ingredients. Whether you serve this amazing chicken for dinner or at a gathering, everyone who tries it will be impressed. 

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken 

• Convenience of Air Frying: Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying with less oil. It is also quicker than traditional frying methods. Using your air fryer to make this chicken not only adds a certain level of convenience but will also result in a crispy, delicious meal without excess oil. 
• Flavorful Marinade: The buttermilk and hot sauce marinade add depth and flavor to the chicken. It helps to make the meat juicy and savory. Marinating also allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
• Spicy and Flavorful Hot Sauce: The Nashville hot sauce offers a perfect balance of heat, brown sugar sweetness, and paprika smoky flavor. Combining these ingredients creates a sauce that elevates the taste of the crispy chicken.
• Crispy Double Coating: The double coating of flour and egg contributes to an extra crispy crust. The super crunchy coating offers a fantastic contrast to the tender, juicy chicken. 
• Customizable Spice Level: The spice level of the chicken and the sauce can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Add more or less cayenne pepper to the mixture depending on how much heat you want in this dish. 
• Comfort Food: Fried chicken is a classic comfort food. This Nashville hot chicken, with its spicy kick and crispy texture, adds an exciting twist to a beloved dish. It is the perfect comfort food to feed a crowd. 

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is at the bottom of the post.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Butter
• Brown sugar

How to Make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

• Step One: Combine the buttermilk and 1/4 cup hot sauce in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss, coating it in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate overnight.

• Step Two: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, 1 tsp cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Step Three: In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs.

• Step Four: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Dip it in the beaten egg mixture, then back in the flour for a second coat. This double coating will give you a crispy crust.

• Step Five: Preheat your air fryer to 365°F. While heating, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with vegetable oil.
• Step Six: Air fry them at 365°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until they are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
• Step Seven: Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in 1/4 cup hot sauce, brown sugar, one teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
• Step Eight: Let the cooked pieces of chicken rest on a wire rack or baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the crispy chicken pieces.
• Step Nine: Serve your crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides. Popular sides include slices of white bread, potato salad, coleslaw, french fries, mac and cheese, and biscuits.

Equipment Needed

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• Air Fryer
• Large bowl 
• Shallow dish 
• Whisk
• Small saucepan 

What to Serve with Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Serve this Nashville-style chicken with some of your favorite sides for a complete meal. 

• Garlic Bread
• Ramen Noodle Salad
• Ranch Potato Salad
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Corn Casserole

Variations and Substitutions 

• Protein: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken wings, drumsticks, or even bone-in chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor. You may have to adjust the cooking time if you change the type of chicken you use, so make sure to have a meat thermometer on hand so you can check the temperature. 
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating and the hot sauce to control the spiciness. You can easily decrease the amount used for less spice or increase the amount used for a spicier kick. 
• Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs or spices like thyme, oregano, or garlic powder to the flour mixture for additional flavor. Dried herbs can add a whole other dimension of flavor to your chicken.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as the main marinade for the chicken. Its acidity is crucial in tenderizing the meat, imparting a delightful tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk available, substitute a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of milk and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers from this air fryer recipe, you can easily store them to enjoy later. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, please place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

It is important to note that storing the sauce separately from the chicken is ideal. This will keep the leftovers from becoming soggy. 

Can I Freeze?

While the texture of the chicken may not be as crispy after freezing, you can freeze leftovers for longer storage. Place individual pieces or portions in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

It can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Proper Marinating: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The buttermilk marinade plays a crucial role in tenderizing and flavoring the meat.
• Double Coating Technique: Following the double coating technique, ensure a crispy crust. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in beaten eggs, and then coat it again with flour. This method contributes to a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
• Arrange Evenly in the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will ensure even cooking and help achieve a golden-brown exterior.
• Resting Time: Allow the cooked chicken to rest on a wire rack or baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the exterior stay crispy, and the juices redistribute within the meat.

What is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville hot chicken, a specialty from Tennessee, stands out with its unique blend of flavors. The bold kick comes from cayenne pepper, and the smoky depth is thanks to paprika, making it a distinctive and flavorful fried chicken variation.

Can I Use This Recipe for Chicken Wings?

Absolutely! You can use this recipe for chicken wings. Just follow the same steps as you would for chicken thighs. Marinate the wings, coat them in the seasoned flour, and air fry until crispy and cooked. Adjust the cooking time based on your meat thermometer. 

Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken? 

Feel free to opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken wings. Using thighs adds more flavor to the dish, though, so you may have to compensate in other areas. Thighs are juicier and bring a richer taste to the air fryer Nashville hot chicken.

Can I Adjust the Heat Level?

Yes, you can adjust the heat level in the recipe. Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating and the hot sauce according to your preference.

Can I Make it in the Oven?

Yes, you can bake this recipe in the oven. Adjust the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the chicken is golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure your chicken gets a nice, crispy exterior. 

Can I Deep Fry?

Yes, you can deep fry this recipe. Follow the same steps for coating the chicken, and then deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the frying time as needed for the desired level of crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve the air fryer Nashville hot chicken with your favorite sides. Classic choices include slices of white bread, coleslaw, pickles, and various comfort foods like potato salad, mac and cheese, or french fries.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Nashville hot sauce
• Honey mustard

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