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 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Marinating Time 1 hourhour
Total Time 1 hourhour50 minutesminutes
Servings 6servings
Ingredients
2tablespoonsdill pickle juicedivided
2tablespoonshot pepper saucedivided (Tabasco or Frank’s)
1teaspoonsaltdivided
2poundschicken tenderloinsor chicken breast strips
1cupall-purpose flour
½teaspoonblack pepper
1egg
½cupbuttermilk
Cooking sprayor olive oil in a pump mister
½cupolive oil
2tablespoonscayenne pepper(or adjust to your preferred level using the guide in the recipe notes)
2tablespoonsdark brown sugar
1teaspoonpaprika
1teaspoonchili powder
½teaspoongarlic powder
dill pickle slices
burger bunsif 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.
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.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, remaining 1 tablespoon pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
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.
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.
Pour over hot chicken and toss to coat.
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.