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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders — Craving the Heat without the Grease? Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders to the Rescue!

Hey spice lovers and air fryer enthusiasts, welcome to my kitchen! ️

Ready to ditch the deep fryer but still satisfy your craving for that legendary Nashville Hot Chicken flavor? Then you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re taking everyone’s favorite fiery dish and giving it a healthy and convenient makeover with the help of our trusty air fryer.

Nashville hot tenders are spicy and offer lots flavor. Plus, you never have to get dressed or leave the house to make a batch. Serve it with a classic Macaroni and Cheese or Collard Greens, and you have a TRUE Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Meal.

Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? We got you covered! Try out our Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders, The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Burritos, and Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole.

What Is Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken is a type of fried chicken that is a local specialty of Nashville, Tennessee. It’s known for its crispy exterior and fiery, spicy coating, usually achieved by a blend of cayenne pepper and other spices mixed into the breading or applied as a spicy paste or sauce after the chicken is fried. The chicken itself ranges from mildly spicy to extremely hot and is traditionally served atop white bread with pickles to help offset the heat. This dish is deeply rooted in Nashville’s culinary scene and has gained widespread popularity, leading to the opening of specialized hot chicken restaurants across the United States and beyond. Nashville Hot Chicken is celebrated for its unique blend of heat, flavor, and Southern tradition, offering a spicy twist on classic fried chicken.

Made famous from the famous Hattie B’s, and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe is a modern take on the traditional, beloved Southern dish, offering a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and health-conscious cooking. Here’s why this recipe is sure to win you over:

Less Oil, Less Guilt: By using an air fryer, you significantly reduce the amount of oil needed to achieve that desirable crispy exterior, making it a healthier option than traditional deep-frying without sacrificing the crunch and flavor.
Convenience at Its Best: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy spicy, savory Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders in a fraction of the time it takes to oven-bake or pan-fry.
Bold and Spicy: This recipe captures the essence of Nashville Hot Chicken’s signature spice blend, offering a mouthwatering heat that’s fully adjustable to suit your spice tolerance.
Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The air fryer ensures each tender is perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, just like traditional Nashville Hot Chicken.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for a spicy twist on your weeknight dinners, or simply craving something flavorful, these chicken tenders are sure to impress.
Easy Cleanup: With the air fryer, there’s no need to deal with the mess of oil splatters or multiple pans. Enjoy your delicious meal with minimal cleanup afterward.
Loved by Many: The irresistible combination of spices and the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly cooked chicken tender make this dish a hit among both adults and kids alike.

Embracing this Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe means enjoying all the fiery goodness of the classic dish with added health benefits and convenience. It’s a perfect way to spice up your mealtime with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders

Embark on a culinary adventure right from your kitchen with this Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders recipe, a healthier rendition of the fiery Southern classic. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process with the use of an air fryer but also maintains the iconic spicy, crispy goodness that makes Nashville Hot Chicken so irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned spicy food lover or just looking to add some excitement to your mealtime, these chicken tenders offer a perfect blend of heat, flavor, and crunch.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish, chicken tenders are lean, cook quickly, and provide the perfect canvas for the Nashville hot sauce.
Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and ensures the coating sticks, resulting in juicy tenders with a crispy exterior.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging, flour is the base of the crispy coating that becomes wonderfully crunchy when air-fried.
Eggs: Eggs bind the flour coating to the chicken, ensuring a crisp layer that doesn’t fall off during cooking.
Cayenne Pepper: The key to Nashville’s signature heat, cayenne pepper is adjusted to taste, making the chicken as spicy or mild as you like.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the heat and adds depth to the flavors of the spice mix.
Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: Adds color and a subtle, smoky flavor to the spice blend, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Garlic Powder: Contributes a savory note that complements the heat and adds complexity to the seasoning.
Onion Powder: Offers an additional layer of spice, contributing to the characteristic deep, fiery taste of Nashville Hot Chicken.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt, and pepper elevate the natural flavors of the chicken and the spice mix.
Vegetable Oil: A small amount is mixed into the spice blend and brushed on the tenders before air frying, ensuring the spices adhere well and helping to achieve a crispy finish.

This Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with the magic of air frying and a bold blend of spices, can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Enjoy the thrill of heat and the satisfaction of crunch with every bite.

How To Make Nashville Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Making Nashville Chicken Tenders in an air fryer combines the iconic flavors of Nashville hot chicken with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. Here’s how to create this spicy, crispy treat at home:

Marinate Chicken:

Dry your chicken pieces with paper towels.
Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all tenders are coated.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow bowl or dish, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

Dredge the Chicken:

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and dredge once again in the flour. Ensure each piece is well-coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken:

Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Set cooking time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through

Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, mix 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (or to taste for heat level), brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir in the vegetable oil to create a spicy paste.

Coat the Cooked Tenders:

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, brush them with the spicy oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Serve:

Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders hot from the air fryer. They’re traditionally accompanied by pickles and white bread, but you can enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce

Recipe Variations

Exploring variations of Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders allows you to customize this spicy favorite to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative twists to the classic recipe:

Honey-Glazed Nashville Tenders: After brushing the chicken with the spicy mixture, drizzle a little honey over the tenders before serving. The sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the heat of the spices, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Garlic Parmesan Nashville Tenders: For a cheesy, garlicky twist, mix grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the flour coating. After air frying, sprinkle additional Parmesan and a dash of Italian herbs on top for an aromatic finish.
Lemon Pepper Nashville Tenders: Add lemon zest, lemon juice,and cracked black pepper to the spicy oil mixture for a zesty, tangy version of Nashville tenders. The lemon’s brightness adds a refreshing contrast to the deep spice flavors.
BBQ Nashville Tenders: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with the spicy oil mixture for a smoky, tangy take on the classic. This variation adds a Southern BBQ flair to the traditional Nashville heat.
Vegan Nashville Tenders: Use plant-based chicken substitutes and unsweetened almond milk instead of buttermilk. Ensure the spicy oil mixture is brushed onto the vegan tenders generously for that classic Nashville flavor.
Buffalo Nashville Tenders: Combine the spicy oil mixture with buffalo sauce for a fiery, vinegary kick. This combination brings together the best of both worlds – the signature Nashville heat and the classic buffalo wing tang.
Asian-Inspired Nashville Tenders: Introduce a touch of Asian cuisine by adding soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil to the spicy mixture. This variation gives the tenders an umami-rich profile with a subtle Asian flair.
Gluten-Free Nashville Tenders: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This variation allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the dish without worry.
Cool Ranch Nashville Tenders: Mix ranch seasoning into the flour coating for a herby, creamy twist. Serve the tenders with a side of ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the ranch flavor further.
“Sweet Heat” Nashville Tenders: Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to the spicy oil mixture for a unique “sweet heat” experience. The warmth of the spices adds a surprising depth to the chicken’s flavor profile.

Each of these variations on Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders invites you to experiment with flavors and ingredients, ensuring there’s a version of this beloved dish to suit every palate and occasion.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders involves a mix of technique, seasoning, and timing. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve that irresistible balance of crispy, juicy, and spicy every time:

Marinate for Moisture: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also adds moisture, ensuring the tenders remain juicy inside even after air frying. For the best results, marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
Season Every Layer: Flavor is built in layers, so make sure each component (buttermilk marinade, flour coating, and final spice mix) is well-seasoned. This ensures every bite is packed with the signature Nashville hot chicken taste.
Ensure Even Coating: For a uniformly crispy exterior, ensure the chicken tenders are evenly coated in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour and egg wash before the final dredge to prevent clumping.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always start with a preheated air fryer to achieve the best texture. A preheated air fryer ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, sealing in the juices and setting the coating for a crispy finish.
Do Not Overcrowd: Air circulation is key in an air fryer. Place the tenders in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the tenders halfway through the cooking process promotes even browning and crispiness on all sides. Use tongs to gently flip them to maintain the integrity of the coating.
Adjust Spice to Taste: The hallmark of Nashville chicken is its heat, but not everyone’s spice tolerance is the same. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper if you’re sensitive to spice, and adjust upwards to find your perfect heat level.
Apply the Spice Mix While Hot: Brushing the spicy oil mixture on the chicken tenders right out of the air fryer helps the spices adhere better and infuses the chicken with bold flavors. The heat from the chicken also helps to release the aroma of the spices.
Rest for Juiciness: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after air frying. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each tender is moist and flavorful.
Serve with Cooling Sides: Pair your Nashville Chicken Tenders with sides that offer a cooling contrast to the heat. Traditional accompaniments like pickle slices, slices of white bread, coleslaw, or a ranch or blue cheese dressing can provide a refreshing balance.

By following these pro tips, you’ll master the art of making Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders, bringing the heat and flavor of this Tennessee favorite right to your table with the added bonus of a healthier cooking method.

Air Fryer Nashville Chicken Tenders (11)

Faq’s

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken strips or tenders are not available. Ensure the strips are uniform in size for even cooking.

How spicy are Nashville Chicken Tenders? The spiciness of Nashville Chicken Tenders largely depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used. The recipe can be adjusted to make the chicken as mild or as fiery as you prefer. Start with less cayenne if you’re sensitive to heat and increase according to your taste.

Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free? To make gluten-free Nashville Chicken Tenders, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Ensure all other ingredients, such as spices, are gluten-free as well.

What should I serve with Nashville Chicken Tenders? Nashville Chicken Tenders pair well with cooling sides like coleslaw, French fries, dill pickle chips, or a ranch dressing dip. They can also be served with traditional sides like macaroni and cheese or baked beans.

How do I store leftovers? Leftover Nashville Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk and prepare the flour coating mixture ahead of time. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to coat and air fry the tenders just before serving.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk? Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is not strictly necessary, but it helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture, ensuring the chicken tenders remain juicy and flavorful after cooking.

Can I double the recipe? You can easily double the recipe, but you may need to cook the chicken tenders in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, which could affect the crispiness.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked? The chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders? Yes, cooked Nashville Chicken Tenders can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Equipment Used

Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology, 3 Lbs, Black, HD9650/96

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