Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Name: Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 210 min
Ingredients: 3 cups (709ml) buttermilk; 4 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or Louisiana sauce); 5 cloves garlic (finely minced); 20 ounces (568g) chicken thighs (4 boneless and skinless thighs); vegetable oil (for frying); 1 ½ cups (360g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113g) butter (1 stick, cut into pieces); 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken is my way of making this super popular dish. This recipe is the best way to get spicy and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside hot chicken, that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lunches.

the air fryer nashville hot chicken served on bread and topped with pickle slices

If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’re going to love this Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken recipe! I’m a big fan of Nashville hot chicken, but don’t always have the time or patience to fry it. That’s why I love this air fryer version as It’s quick, crispy and flavorful as if it was fried.

Table of Contents

What is Nashville Hot Chicken

This fried chicken dish is super famous in Nashville Tennessee, were buttermilk marinated chicken is fried in a crispy coating and finally tossed in a buttery spicy sauce for heaven in every mouthful.

A word though friends. This recipe is spicy – so if you don’t love spicy food or are making this for kids, then please reduce the amount of spice. Start with a fifth of the suggested amounts of chili powder and hot sauce and see what you think. You can add other ingredients to the marinade / sauce to balance the heat, such as honey or yogurt.

For even more awesome air fryer chicken recipes, check out my crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs, my family loved Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings and seriously the best and crispiest Air Fryer Whole Chicken.

a serving spoon placing a pice of air fryer nashville hot chicken onto a plate

Ingredient Notes

I love that you only need simple ingredients to make this treat. Below is a list of ingredients needed for this recipe. Follow my tips on each ingredient for best results.

For the Chicken

Buttermilk – Buttermilk is legit my favorite way to tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor to the chicken. Check out my complete post for details on How to Make Buttermilk if you don’t already have some. I know folks who have substituted sour cream, yogurt, or even milk instead.
Hot sauce – Hot sauce adds some lovely heat and flavor to the chicken. I personally like Franks hot sauce, but use your favorite brand. I recommend less hot sauce if making this for kids or people who prefer a milder taste.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds such great flavor to the chicken but you can use garlic powder.
Chicken – I absolutely recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the fat pieces trimmed off, because they are the most flavorful choice and hold up well during marinating and cooking. In a pinch you can use chicken breasts or strips but, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Flour – I simply use all-purpose flour to make the batter. Substitute gluten free flour 1:1 if you need to.
Cornstarch – I use cornstarch for that super crispy crust on the chicken. Friends have used arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch.
Spices and salt – My favorites for adding flavor and a bit of heat to to the breading are a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper powder and some sea salt or kosher salt. Add more or less of each to your taste.

close up view of air fryer nashville hot chicken served on white bread and topped with pickles

For the Sauce

Butter – use the best butter you have to whip up this delicious buttery hot sauce.
Spices – The simple combination of cayenne pepper, garlic powder and chili powder bring out the flavor in this sauce. You can adjust the amounts that you use to taste. I have also subbed in cumin or paprika with great success.
Light brown sugar – I for real love the sweetness the brown sugar adds to the Nashville sauce. You can substitute in granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Your sauce, your way :).

the ingredients for making air fryer nashville hot chicken

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

How To Make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Use the process shots below as a visual guide to help you make this. Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, and garlic. Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and dip it in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, spray it with oil and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking and spray with oil again.
While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cayenne pepper powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and immediately toss it in the hot sauce. Serve hot.

image collage showing the steps for making this nashville hot chicken air fryer recipe

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Bintu’s Tips and Variations

I really love switching things up in the kitchen. Here are some tips for easier cooking and variations for you to try if you want something a little different

Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the chicken will not cook evenly. If you scale up this recipe, then cook the meat in batches.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
Toss the meat in the sauce just before serving. That way you make sure every bit of your chicken is evenly coated in the buttery sauce. #yumright?
Add pickle juice – Add a little pickle juice to the buttermilk marinade – trust me your taste buds will forever thank you.
Check out How To Preheat Your Air Fryer and this post with Air Fryer Tips and Tricks.

top down view of nashville hot chicken in air fryer basket

Prep And Storage

Lucky you if you have any leftovers 🙂

Prep Ahead – Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, and up to overnight. Make the sauce a day ahead of time, refrigerate and reheat when needed.
Store – Cooled leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze – Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Cook in a hot air fryer for several minutes until warmed through and crispy.

a brush adding sauce to a piece of air fryer nashville hot chicken

FAQs

Can I Make This Without an Air Fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F / 204 degrees C for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. We recommend baking it on an oven-safe rack on a baking sheet.

For complete instructions, check out my Nashville Hot Chicken recipe post.

Can I Use Other Chicken Cuts?

Yes, you can use other types of chicken in this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breast, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, chicken wings, or even chicken tenders would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

the completed air fryer nashville hot chicken recipe

Serving Suggestions

I usually see Nashville hot chicken is served on white bread with pickles like Air Fryer Fried Pickles, but you can totally serve it in a brioche bun with ALL your favorite toppings. I have seen it serves with Stovetop Mac and Cheese and with my favorite easy Southern Coleslaw and creamy dreamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.

Feel free to serve it besides some rice or besides some tasty Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or with a salad along with your favorite smothered green beans, or as a finger food with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing.

More Recipes You May Like

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs.
Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
Better than take out Air Fryer Orange Chicken.

Thank you for reading my Nashville Hot Chicken recipe air fryer post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

What is Nashville Hot Chicken