Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Hot Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly spicy, crunchy, and juicy Nashville-style hot chicken made easy with an air fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated with a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then air fried to golden perfection and brushed with a flavorful spicy butter sauce, this dish is a delicious and healthier take on a Southern classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- Cooking spray
Hot Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs to the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create a seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Preheat and Spray: Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and continue cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C).
- Make the Hot Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful, spicy sauce.
- Brush and Serve: Brush the hot butter sauce over the cooked chicken thighs evenly. Serve immediately for the best crispy and spicy experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Serve with pickles and white bread for a classic Nashville hot chicken style.
- For a sweet and spicy twist, drizzle the chicken with honey just before serving.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
