Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders A Fiery Finger Food Fiesta

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy some heat?

Ever craved that Nashville kick? This Air fryer Nashville hot chicken recipe brings the heat. It's got a fiery flavour profile that's seriously addictive.

Brief Overview: Nashville Comes Home

Nashville hot chicken, a Southern classic, gets a modern air fryer twist. This easy Nashville hot chicken is ready in about 35 minutes, plus some marinating time.

It makes about 4 servings. It is super easy, so don't worry, alright?

Main Benefits: Healthy Heat

This recipe is lower in fat than the traditional deep-fried version. Serve these spicy chicken tenders air fryer style at your next game day or casual get-together.

What makes this recipe special? It's that perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and fiery, without the guilt. Trust me.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders A Fiery Finger Food Fiesta Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:13 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb (680g) chicken tenders
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, like Tabasco, for marinade)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• ½ - 1 teaspoon (2.5-5ml) cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference, start with less!)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (4g) packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)

Instructions:

• Combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using) in a bowl. Add chicken tenders, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour).
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat thoroughly.
• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if needed, don't overcrowd!). Spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-7 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and hot sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until well combined and slightly thickened.
• Transfer cooked tenders to a bowl and toss with the Nashville hot sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve the air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders immediately with pickles and your favorite dipping sauce (ranch or blue cheese recommended).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:500

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why This Recipe Rocks

So, this Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe is a game-changer. Honestly, I used to think you had to deep-fry chicken for that authentic taste.

But the air fryer? Oh my gosh, it works like a charm.

I was inspired to try it after a trip to Nashville, proper tasty, innit. I tried the real deal, and I knew I needed to recreate it back home.

But I wanted to cut down on the grease. The air fryer made all the difference.

Ingredients: Gather Your Arsenal

Ready to dive in? Here's what you'll need. For the chicken, grab some chicken tenders, buttermilk, and a few spices.

You'll also need flour. Don't forget the hot sauce. For the Nashville hot sauce recipe , you'll need butter, cayenne pepper (the star, of course!), smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and more hot sauce!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Nashville Hot Arsenal

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. For proper Air fryer Nashville hot chicken you need the right gear and grub.

Trust me, having this sorted beforehand makes all the difference. No one wants to be scrambling mid-cook.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Here's what you need. Accuracy matters!

• Chicken Tenders: 1.5 lb (680g) . Quality chicken is key. Look for plump tenders with good colour.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . Full fat gives the best flavour, honestly.
• Hot Sauce (for marinade): 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) .
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . It adds a real depth.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Cayenne Pepper: ½ - 1 teaspoon (2.5-5ml) . This is where the Nashville hot magic happens!

For the sauce, you'll need:

• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Proper butter, please!
• Cayenne Pepper: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adjust this based on your love of pain!.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Packed Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon (4g) .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) .
• Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Frank's RedHot is a classic.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

This Nashville hot sauce recipe is all about the perfect balance. Smoked paprika adds smokiness. Garlic and onion powder round things out.

The brown sugar offers a slight sweetness to balance the heat. For a kick, consider a dash of chili powder

Can't find smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but the flavour won't be quite as complex.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

You don't need fancy gear for this.

• Air Fryer: Obviously!
• Shallow Bowls/Plates: For marinating and breading.
• Small Saucepan: For the sauce.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping chicken without getting burned.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Don't have an air fryer? You can bake these, but they won't be quite as crispy. No small saucepan? A small pot will work just fine.

I remember once, I had to use a ladle to coat the tenders because all the spoons where dirty. Not ideal, but desperate times, right?

Now you're armed and ready to make some seriously good Air fryer Nashville hot chicken . Let's get cooking!

Nail That Nashville Heat: Air Fryer Style!

Alright, let's talk Air fryer Nashville hot chicken . Forget soggy, greasy chicken. We're doing it healthier, quicker, and just as spicy, right in your air fryer.

I always thought making Nashville hot chicken was only for fancy chefs, but honestly? This is easier than ordering a takeaway.

Let's get started!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, get your stuff together. This is the essential mise en place, so you need your chicken tenders (about 1.

5 lb), buttermilk (1 cup), flour (1 cup), and all your spices lined up like little soldiers. Trust me, having everything ready saves a ton of time.

Oh, and a quick safety reminder: wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? Nobody wants salmonella on their spice rack.

Step-by-Step to Spicy Chicken Bliss

1. Marinate those tenders! Mix 1 cup buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce. Submerge the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
2. Mix your dry ingredients. This includes flour and spices. We use garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
3. Dredge, baby, dredge. Coat each chicken tender thoroughly in the flour mix. Press it on.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) . Don't skip this step!
5. Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd!
6. Cook for about 6- 7 minutes , then flip. Spray with a bit of oil, and cook another 6- 7 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
7. Whisk up that Nashville hot sauce by melting butter and adding spices!

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken

Want to take your Air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe to the next level? Use a thermometer. Honestly, this is the only way to know your chicken is cooked through.

Don't skip it. I remember one time I made it for friends without one - disaster! Also, for that Easy Nashville hot chicken , control the spice! Start small with the cayenne, you can always add more heat to the sauce.

You don't want to accidentally blow your head off.

If you are running late to the party then maybe you can try the Hot chicken tenders air fryer recipe , this is a make ahead version of the traditional one!

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipe Spicy

This is one of my best tricks Air fryer chicken recipe spicy !

Recipe Notes for Seriously Good Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Alright, so you're about to embark on making some seriously tasty Air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe . Before you dive in, let's chat about some key bits to ensure it's a roaring success.

Think of these as my little notes from the kitchen, after plenty of trial and error. Honestly, this Easy Nashville hot chicken has become a regular feature in our house.

Let's get to it!

Serving Suggestions That'll Make You Drool

Okay, plating matters! I reckon these Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe look fantastic piled high on a plate with some dill pickle slices.

Trust me. A little parsley sprinkled over? Chefs kiss. For sides, you can't go wrong with creamy coleslaw, maybe some potato salad.

Think cooling vibes. Drink-wise? Ice-cold lemonade or even a beer works a treat. Iced tea never hurt anyone neither.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, leftovers. If you somehow have any! To keep these bad boys, slap them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll be grand for up to 3 days. Freezing? Not the best idea, the Spicy chicken tenders air fryer tend to get a bit soggy.

Reheating? Air fryer chicken tenders back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp 'em up again. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C).

Honestly, though, they're best eaten fresh.

Variations: Spice It Up (or Down!)

Fancy a change? If you are not a fan of buttermilk you can sub the buttermilk with normal milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Makeshift buttermilk. Also, if you're not a fan of all of the spices, consider using less of them for a more approachable flavor profile.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Each serving of Air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders will rack up roughly 450-550 calories, with 40-45g of protein and 20-30g of fat.

The best bit? These Buttermilk fried chicken air fryer are way healthier than the deep-fried version. You're getting a good whack of protein from the chicken.

So you can pat yourself on the back about that.

Honestly, give this Air fryer chicken recipe spicy a go, you won't regret it. Get stuck in!