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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken3
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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

This Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the Southern classic, delivering crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken tenders with bold flavor and less oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful treat, it uses an easy marinade and air frying for a crunchy, fiery delight.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Air Fryer, Chicken Tenders, Easy, Nashville Hot Chicken, Spicy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (mini chicken fillets in the UK)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar-based hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or a halal-certified alternative)
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for extra smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and vinegar-based hot sauce. Stir well to blend. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
  • In a shallow bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
  • Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the fridge. One at a time, lift each piece out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating. Place the coated tenders on a plate or tray.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy crust.
  • Lightly brush or spray the chicken tenders with cooking oil on all sides. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  • While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of oil with 1 tablespoon of vinegar-based hot sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or cayenne if you like it spicier. This sauce will be brushed on the chicken after frying.
  • Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a clean plate or tray. Using a brush, generously coat each piece with the Nashville hot sauce mixture. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Bowl
  • Shallow Bowl
  • Brush

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, double coat the tenders by dipping back into the buttermilk after the first breadcrumb coating, then dredge in breadcrumbs again. Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Use cooking spray or lightly brush oil to help crisp the breadcrumbs. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Marinate overnight if possible for best flavor. Serve with pickles, white bread, or coleslaw. Gluten-free and buttermilk substitute options are available. Chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used with adjusted cooking times.