Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Nashville hot chicken sandwiches with the crunch of fried chicken and none of the deep-fryer mess. Buttermilk-marinated thighs stay juicy inside, while a quick coat of flour turns crisp in the basket and a cayenne-spiked hot oil brings the signature heat.
Stack the chicken on a toasted brioche bun with tangy coleslaw and dill pickle chips to cool things down. Marinate overnight for the best flavor, and dial the cayenne up or down to match your heat tolerance.
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate
Whisk the buttermilk with the cayenne, chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add the chicken, cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or overnight.
Dredge
Put the flour in a resealable bag. Lift each thigh out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then shake in the flour until fully coated. Press the flour on and shake off the extra.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the hot oil
Warm the vegetable oil with the chili powder, paprika, cumin and cayenne in a small saucepan until it just simmers. Remove from the heat.
Assemble
Rest the chicken 5 minutes, brush with the hot oil, and serve on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw and pickles.
- Use thighs, not breasts, for the juiciest results against the hot oil.
- Spray the floured chicken well so no dry white patches remain and the crust browns evenly.
- Brush on the hot oil right before serving so the crust stays crisp.
Frequently asked
How long does Nashville hot chicken take in the air fryer?
About 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway, until the thighs reach 165°F inside.
How do I make it less spicy?
Cut the cayenne in the hot oil in half and add a teaspoon of brown sugar to round out the heat.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Slice the breasts into cutlets about ¾ inch thick and cook 12 to 15 minutes so they don't dry out.
