Nashville Hot Chicken is renowned for its spicy kick and crispy texture. When made in an air fryer, this dish becomes even more accessible, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing any of the classic flavors. Here’s a detailed recipe for creating the perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in your air fryer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickle slices
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
- Shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Three shallow bowls (for breading)
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)