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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 spicy, crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich made in the air fryer, featuring a bold homemade hot sauce and cooling slaw.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml) or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) for marinating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) or gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or neutral oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter (55 g), melted
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce for Nashville hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • About 1 cup coleslaw (100 g), homemade or store-bought
  • Pickles (optional, a few slices)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and 2 tablespoons hot sauce. Submerge chicken breasts and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, 3 tablespoons hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  7. Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place coated chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden and crispy.
  8. Brush chicken generously with Nashville hot sauce immediately after cooking.
  9. Toast buns lightly in air fryer or on a skillet.
  10. Assemble sandwich by layering bottom bun with coleslaw, adding hot chicken, topping with pickles if desired, and crowning with top bun.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for tender chicken. Spray oil before and after flipping to encourage crisping. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Brush sauce immediately after cooking to keep crust crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Chicken thighs can be used with adjusted cooking time.

Nutrition

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

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