Teresa's Recipes
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
Indulge in the fiery, mouthwatering experience of Nashville Hot Chicken, reimagined for the air fryer! This healthier twist on a Southern classic features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture and coated in a flavorful blend of spices. When cooked, they emerge golden and crispy, delivering a tantalizing crunch with every bite. Perfectly paired with tangy pickles and creamy coleslaw, this dish embodies the spirit of Nashville’s famous hot chicken, which has its roots in a spicy revenge story dating back to the 1930s. Treat yourself to this culinary delight that celebrates Southern flavor with a modern touch!
Ingredients
- as needed Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Hot sauce
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless Chicken thighs
- for serving Pickles
- for serving Coleslaw
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until well combined.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a spice blend.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Nashville hot chicken hot, garnished with pickles and alongside a side of creamy coleslaw for the perfect Southern meal.
Tips
- For an extra kick, you can double the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the dredging process.
- Consider using chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer a different cut of chicken.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.