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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

If you’re a fan of Nashville Hot Chicken, you’ll really appreciate this air fryer version. It’s just as fiery, spicy, and kick-butt as the traditional but without the messy stovetop frying. Serve it on white bread or buns with pickles to cut the heat!

If you’ve never had the pleasure (or maybe the pain) of eating Nashville Hot Chicken, let me tell you—this is no ordinary fried chicken. This is the kind of chicken that bites back. It’s fiery, it’s bold, and it’s got that perfect balance of heat, tang, and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more. And now, thanks to the air fryer, you can get all that crispy, spicy goodness without turning your kitchen into a deep-fried disaster zone.

Nashville hot chicken sandwich on a white plate.

I don’t know about you, but I was raised to believe that fried chicken is practically a food group of its own here in the South. I grew up watching my mother and grandmothers stand over cast-iron skillets, carefully turning each golden-brown piece with an ease that only comes from years of practice. And while I still love the traditional way, I also appreciate a good shortcut—especially one that doesn’t leave my stovetop looking like a crime scene. That’s where the air fryer comes in. Wonderful invention, those air fryers!

Nashville Hot Chicken has a history as rich as its flavor, tracing back to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Tennessee, where legend has it that a really angry, fired-up woman decided to teach her fella a lesson by dousing his fried chicken in an unspeakable amount of cayenne. Joke’s on her, though—he loved it, and the rest is history. It’s been a Southern staple ever since.

So, if you’re ready to bring a little heat (okay, a lot of heat) to your dinner table, grab your cayenne and buttermilk, and let’s make an Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich that’ll have your taste buds singing and your forehead glistening.

Seriously though–a word of warning. This is really hot. And although I do include recommendations for how to moderate the heat, if you don’t like hot, spicy foods, then this recipe is most definitely not for you. And be very careful serving this to children. Actually, I don’t advise doing that at all.

Recipe Snapshot

Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Total Time: 50 Minutes (plus 1 Hour marinating time)

Servings: 6
Primary Ingredient(s): Chicken tenderloins, dill pickle juice, cayenne pepper, buttermilk
Skill Level: Easy

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

  • The air fryer does all the hard work, so you get that signature Nashville Hot Chicken flavor without deep-frying or making a mess of your kitchen.
  • Whether you like it with just a kick or blazing hot like the Tennessee original, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste (or your bravery).
  • The air fryer locks in moisture while giving you a perfect crunch on the outside.

Ingredient Notes

All ingredients required for the recipe.
Dill pickle juice, hot pepper sauce, salt, chicken tenderloins, all-purpose flour, black pepper, egg, buttermilk, cooking spray, olive oil, cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, dill pickle slices, buns.

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  • Dill Pickle Slices and Juice – Also called “hamburger dill slices.” Use any brand that you like. I use either my favorite homemade dill pickles or Mt. Olive brand.
  • Hot Pepper Sauce – I prefer Tabasco, but Frank’s or Louisiana Hot Sauce are also great.
  • Chicken Tenderloins or Breast Strips – Tenderloins are delicious and convenient, but the least expensive option usually is to purchase frozen chicken breasts, thaw them, and cut them into strips.
  • Buttermilk – Gives a nice background tang to the chicken.
  • Cooking Spray – or olive oil in a pump mister.
  • Olive Oil – Plain olive oil, extra virgin not necessary.
  • Cayenne Pepper – The recipe calls for two tablespoons to create a medium heat level. See notes in the post on how to adjust the heat.
  • Dark Brown Sugar – The sugar helps to balance the pepper and gives a slight sweetness to the heat.
  • Paprika – I use McCormick brand.
  • Chili Powder – For this recipe, use a common grocery store, American style chili powder such as McCormick brand.
  • Garlic Powder
  • White Buns or Bread – It’s traditional to serve hot chicken with white bread to help moderate the heat.

The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How I Make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

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

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).

A hot chicken sandwich being assembled on a white plate.
STEP 14.
  1. Serve with pickles on a bun. Some people like it with ranch dressing.

Serving Suggestions

  • Keep it traditional by serving the chicken on soft white bread with plenty of dill pickles. The bread helps tame the heat—just a little.
  • Pile it onto a toasted brioche or potato bun, slather on some mayo or ranch dressing, and top it off with extra pickles for the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich.
  • Balance out the heat with some Southern staples like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad
  • Make it a meal with crispy French fries, tater tots, or even some baked beans for a full-on feast. And, of course, you’ll add a tall glass (or 2!) of sweet tea to wash it all down.

Storage

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.

Questions About Nashville Hot Chicken

Can I make Hot Chicken without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Instead of adding the prepared chicken to an air fryer, you can either fry it in hot oil on your stovetop or cook it in the oven. To cook in the oven, preheat to 400 degrees, place the prepared chicken on an oiled baking sheet, and cook for 10 minutes. Then flip it over and cook for 10-12 minutes more or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

Certainly! Nashville Hot Chicken can easily be made with frozen chicken. Simply let the chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then proceed with the recipe.

Is Nashville Hot the same as Buffalo Sauce?

Nashville Hot and Buffalo Sauce are different. The Nashville recipe always contains brown sugar, creating a slight sweetness, and its sauce is oil-based. Buffalo sauce doesn’t contain any sugar and has butter as a major ingredient.

Lana Stuart.

Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Nashville hot chicken sandwich on a white plate.

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.
5 from 4 votes
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Course: Main Dishes, Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 454kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

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

  • In a shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Add chicken and turn to coat.
    2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • Refrigerate, covered for at least 1 hour. Drain chicken and discard the marinade.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375-380 F.
  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, remaining 1 tablespoon pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
    1 egg, ½ cup buttermilk
  • Dip chicken in flour to coat both sides; shake off any excess.
  • Dip in egg mixture, then again in flour mixture.
  • Working in batches, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a well-greased tray in the air fryer basket; spritz with spray/oil.
    Cooking spray
  • Cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes.
  • 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.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and seasonings.
    ½ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pour over hot chicken and toss to coat.
  • Serve with pickles on a bun.
    dill pickle slices, burger buns

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 | Carbohydrates 22g | Protein 36g | Fat 24g | Saturated Fat 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat 3g | Monounsaturated Fat 15g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 126mg | Sodium 717mg | Potassium 678mg | Fiber 1g | Sugar 5g | Vitamin A 944IU | Vitamin C 7mg | Calcium 46mg | Iron 2mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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— This post was originally published on May 31, 2022. It has been updated with additional information.

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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