Nashville Hot Chicken: The Air Fryer Revolution
Nashville Hot Chicken has taken the culinary world by storm, known for its crispy texture and fiery spices. Traditionally, this dish involves a deep-frying process, but with the growing popularity of air fryers, you can achieve the same crunchy exterior and succulent interior with a fraction of the oil. Perfect for home cooks looking to enjoy a healthier version of a Southern classic, this air-fried Nashville Hot Chicken recipe delivers on both flavour and texture.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (or a mix)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken on a plate. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to let the flour adhere properly to the chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with vegetable oil. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: Make it Hot
While the chicken is cooking, create the Nashville hot sauce by mixing the remaining oil with extra cayenne pepper and hot sauce to taste. Once the chicken is done, brush this mixture over the chicken for that signature spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, Nashville hot chicken is served over white bread with pickles. You can accompany it with coleslaw, fries, or your favourite sides. The contrast of the creamy coleslaw with the spicy chicken is particularly delightful.
Healthier Cooking Tips
Utilising an air fryer reduces the oil required compared to deep frying, cutting down the overall fat content while keeping your chicken just as crispy. Experiment with varying the cayenne pepper amount in both the flour and the sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Once you perfect this balance, your homemade Nashville Hot Chicken will undoubtedly become a household favourite, providing all the fiery flavour and delicious crunch without the need for excessive oil.
Enjoy this contemporary twist on a classic Nashville dish and revel in the freedom of customising the spice level. Your air fryer isn't just preparing another meal; it's cooking up a Southern favourite right in your own kitchen!