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Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

crispy air fryer Nashville hot chicken sandwich - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for a crispy, juicy, and spicy Nashville hot chicken sandwich made healthier with an air fryer. Perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded thin
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (for butter sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for butter sauce)
  • 4 soft brioche or potato buns, toasted
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Optional: shredded cabbage and carrot slaw tossed with mayo or vinegar dressing

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and 2 tablespoons hot sauce. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently. Set aside on a plate for a few minutes.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place coated chicken breasts in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden and crispy.
  6. Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Adjust cayenne to taste.
  7. Brush or toss cooked chicken immediately in the spicy butter sauce.
  8. Toast buns lightly. Assemble sandwich by layering chicken, pickle slices, and slaw (if using) on the bottom bun. Top with the other bun half.
  9. Serve immediately while chicken is crispy and sauce is warm.

Notes

If chicken is undercooked after 15 minutes, add 2-minute increments in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispiness. Let dredged chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cooking to help coating stick. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or rice flour. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt with apple cider vinegar and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, air fryer chicken, spicy chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, southern chicken sandwich

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-nashville-hot-chicken-sandwich-recipe-easy-and-perfect/