Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Air Fryer Nashville hot chicken is made so easy in the Air Fryer without deep-frying! Brushed with Nashville’s iconic homemade hot sauce, and served with pickles and thick slices of bread.

🍗🔥 Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken 🔥🍗

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts, halved)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup pickle juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2–3 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving:

• Sliced white bread
• Dill pickle slices

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating. For extra crispiness, dip back into the marinade and coat again in flour mixture.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
5. Air Fry: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Hot Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt until smooth and vibrant red.
7. Coat the Chicken: Brush the hot butter mixture generously over the hot chicken immediately after cooking.
8. Serve: Place each piece on a slice of white bread and top with dill pickle slices. Serve immediately for the ultimate spicy, crispy experience.

Nutritional Information:

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating
• 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 480 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

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