Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Ingredients

Cooking spray

as needed

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons

Paprika

1 teaspoon

All-purpose flour

1 cup

Hot sauce

1/4 cup

Buttermilk

1 cup

Chicken thighs

1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless

Pickles

for serving

Coleslaw

for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until well combined.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a spice blend.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well.
7. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
8. Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are crispy and golden brown.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve the Nashville hot chicken hot, garnished with pickles and alongside a side of creamy coleslaw for the perfect Southern meal.