• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes. That’s a win in my book!
• Less Mess: Say goodbye to oil splatters and messy cleanup. The air fryer is your new best friend.
• Healthier Option: All the crispy goodness of fried chicken, but with significantly less oil. Score!
• Seriously Flavorful: That iconic Nashville Hot spice blend is the real deal. It’s got heat, it’s got depth, it’s got EVERYTHING.
• Kid-Friendly (Sort Of!): You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s taste. Even my spice-averse little ones enjoy a milder version.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4-6 pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• Cooking spray

How to Make

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken stay incredibly moist.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This is where the magic happens – don’t skimp on the spices!
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it’s fully coated. Make sure to really pack that flour on!
4. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
5. Cook: Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 7-9 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it!
6. Make the Hot Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the reserved spice mixture in a small bowl. This is your Nashville Hot sauce – yum!
7. Sauce the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, brush generously with the hot sauce mixture.
8. Serve: Serve immediately and get ready for some happy faces!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your air fryer Nashville Hot Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder version, use just 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spice mixture.
• Double Dredge: For an extra crispy coating, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back in the buttermilk, and then dredge it in the flour mixture again.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before brushing it with the hot sauce. This helps the sauce adhere better.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, pickles, and mac and cheese. Don’t forget the ranch dressing for dipping!

Dietary Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute, like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs typically take a little longer to cook than breasts. You’ll want to ensure an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C) for chicken thighs.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this chicken is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance. You can also mix the dry ingredients and the hot sauce mixture ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, just dredge the chicken and pop it in the air fryer!