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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Fans of Nashville Hot Chicken will appreciate this air fryer version. It's just as fiery as the traditional with no messy stovetop frying.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 454 kcal
Course: Main Course , Lunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice divided
  • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce divided (Tabasco or Frank’s)
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins or chicken breast strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • cooking spray or olive oil in a pump mister
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (or adjust to your preferred level using the guide in the recipe notes)
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • dill pickle slices
  • burger buns if desired

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Add chicken and turn to coat.
  3. Refrigerate, covered for at least 1 hour. Drain chicken and discard the marinade.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375-380 F.
  5. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
  6. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, remaining 1 tablespoon pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
  7. Dip chicken in flour to coat both sides; shake off any excess.
  8. Dip in egg mixture, then again in flour mixture.
  9. Working in batches, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a well-greased tray in the air fryer basket; spritz with spray/oil.
  10. Cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes.
  11. Turn and spritz with spray/oil. Cook additional 5-6 minutes or until second side is browned. Remove from the air fryer. Continue with additional batches until all the chicken is cooked.
  12. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and seasonings.
  13. Pour over hot chicken and toss to coat.
  14. Serve with pickles on a bun.

Notes

  • How to Adjust the Heat Level:
  •  
  • For mild heat - start with 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (mild is definitely hot but tolerable if you enjoy spicy food).
  • For medium heat - use 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper (medium is fiery hot and great for those who TRULY enjoy very spicy foods).
  • For hot heat - use 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper (hot is SUPER HOT and only for those who are highly tolerant of very spicy heat).
  • Nashville hot chicken is typically served on white bread slices or buns with pickles to help cut the heat. This recipe is very spicy and should be given to children with extreme caution.
  • Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat either in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 380 degrees or in a low oven.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 454kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 15g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 126mg (42%) Sodium 717mg (30%) Potassium 678mg (19%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 944IU (19%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 46mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 454

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 454kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 15g 75%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 126mg 42%
Sodium 717mg 30%
Potassium 678mg 14%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 944IU 19%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 46mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.