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I’m not going to lie, I was nervous. There’s a reason why this dish is called “Nashville Hot Chicken.” The waitress warned me that my mouth would be on fire and then handed me an ice water which I was desperately chugging down all while watching the other people happily eat their chicken dinner. Finally, it was my turn. My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered a thigh piece with some white bread for dipping.

I asked for a handful of napkins. Our waitress chuckled and then I realized what she meant as I saw the chicken was breaded and fried but didn’t have any liquid hot sauce on it. After I took my first bite, the fire started burning its way through my mouth and throat into my stomach where it made itself cozy in the center of heat cravings. The server seemed pleased by how much pain I was in, thinking I could handle the highest level of heat.

Since then, I’ve tried a number of Nashville hot chicken joints around town. It’s driven me to try to replicate the dish at home. After a couple of times deep frying the chicken using a cast iron skillet, I decided to give up the dangerous oil and try making it with my air fryer. I didn’t know if it would turn out, but …

It was perfect!

The perfect level of heat with a juicy chicken thigh. You can also make this dish using chicken breasts.

Don’t forget a piece of white bread and dill pickles to up the level of authenticity with the original dish.

Nashville hot chicken is a fried, spicy dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. If you’re looking for an easy and healthy way to make your favorite dish at home without all the mess – we’ve got you covered! This recipe uses an air fryer to produce juicy, crispy chicken with just the right amount of spice. You won’t believe how simple it is!

Air Fryer Hot Nashville Chicken

Making Nashville Hot Chicken using an air fryer is super easy! This tasty version of fried chicken gives you a kick of heat why keeping the chicken nice and moist.
3.59 from 230 votes
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper added to taste
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
  • Whisk together your flour, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can add more cayenne pepper to taste - remember, this is Nashville Hot Chicken!
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry. Dredge them first in the flour, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour. Shake the excess flour off the chicken thighs.
  • Place the chicken thighs into the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes.

Notes

If you like your chicken extra spicy, try added 1 tbsp of hot sauce to your eggs when you beat them.
Try serving the chicken thighs with ranch dressing.
You can use chicken breasts in this recipe though we have found chicken thighs come out much juicier. 
Keyword chicken, Nashville, spicy