Skip to main content

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

 

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is a spicy, flavorful dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. The history of this dish dates back to the 1930s and centers around the family of Thornton Prince. As the story goes, Thornton Prince was quite the ladies' man, and one morning after a late night out, one of his girlfriends, seeking revenge, made him a particularly spicy fried chicken for breakfast. However, instead of being deterred, Prince loved the fiery dish so much that he and his brothers decided to refine the recipe and eventually opened Prince's Hot Chicken Shack.

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack quickly became a local favorite, and over the decades, Nashville Hot Chicken evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The dish's popularity has spread far beyond Nashville, with many variations and adaptations appearing in restaurants across the United States and even internationally.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

The air fryer, a relatively recent kitchen appliance, has revolutionized the way we cook by offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Using hot air circulation to cook food, air fryers can achieve a crispy texture similar to frying but with significantly less oil. This makes them perfect for creating lighter versions of traditionally fried dishes, including the beloved Nashville Hot Chicken.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken

2 pounds of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Spicy Coating

1/4 cup cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup melted butter

Procedure

Preparation Time

Marinating Time: 1-4 hours

Active Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes (including marinating)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Prepare the Breading:

In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Bread the Chicken:

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.

Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.

Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Spicy Coating:

While the chicken is cooking, combine the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the spice mixture and stir until well combined. Keep warm.

Coat the Chicken:

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack.

Using a brush, generously coat each piece of chicken with the spicy butter mixture.

Serve:

Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken with pickles and white bread, traditional accompaniments that help balance the heat.

Comments

Popular Posts

A Delectable Classic: Cream of Tomato Soup - Recipe, History, and Preparation Guide

The roots of Cream of Tomato Soup trace back to ancient civilizations where tomatoes were first cultivated in Central and South America. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that tomatoes made their way to Europe, where they were initially met with skepticism due to misconceptions about their toxicity. Eventually, tomatoes gained popularity and became a staple ingredient in European cuisine. The earliest known recipe resembling modern Cream of Tomato Soup dates back to the 19th century. In 1872, Maria Parloa, an American author and cooking expert, published a recipe for "Tomato Chowder" in her book, "Miss Parloa's New Cook Book." This recipe laid the foundation for what would later evolve into Cream of Tomato Soup. As culinary techniques advanced and ingredients became more accessible, Cream of Tomato Soup grew in popularity, especially during the 20th century. It became a symbol of comfort and nostalgia, often associated with homemade meals and cozy ga...

Culinary Journey: Chicken and Lime Soup Recipe and Its Rich History

Chicken and Lime Soup, known as "Sopa de Lima" in Spanish, hails from the Yucatan region of Mexico. It has a history that spans centuries, rooted in the culinary traditions of the Mayan civilization. The soup's exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, but it has been a staple in Yucatecan cuisine for generations. Legend has it that Sopa de Lima was created by the Mayans as a nourishing and flavorful dish. The use of lime, a citrus fruit abundant in the region, added a unique tartness to the soup, while chicken provided protein and substance. Over time, as Spanish influence permeated Mexican cuisine, the recipe evolved, incorporating new ingredients and cooking techniques. Today, Chicken and Lime Soup is enjoyed not only in Mexico but also in various parts of the world, appreciated for its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. Exploring the Rich Flavors of Curried Chicken Stew: Recipe, History, and Preparation Ingredients - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 6 cups c...

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

  The culinary journey of the Sloppy Joe, a beloved American comfort food, begins in the early 20th century. While the exact origin is debated, it is widely accepted that the Sloppy Joe evolved from the "loose meat" sandwiches popular in the Midwest. These sandwiches, consisting of seasoned ground beef served on a bun, were a staple in small-town diners. The modern Sloppy Joe, a mixture of ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce or ketchup, likely got its name from a bar in Havana, Cuba, called Sloppy Joe's, which was frequented by American tourists and expatriates during Prohibition. The Mississippi variation of Sloppy Joes introduces a unique Southern twist to the classic recipe. The term "Mississippi" in culinary contexts often denotes dishes that incorporate robust flavors, often using ingredients like ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. These ingredients are typically found in the popular Mississippi Pot Roast, a dish that inspired th...

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fusion of two beloved American comfort foods: the classic grilled cheese sandwich and the jalapeño popper. The grilled cheese sandwich, with roots dating back to ancient times, gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s with the advent of pre-sliced bread and affordable cheese. On the other hand, the jalapeño popper, a dish consisting of jalapeños stuffed with cheese and deep-fried, has Mexican-American origins and became a popular appetizer in the United States in the late 20th century. The combination of these two iconic dishes likely emerged in the early 2000s as part of a broader trend of creative, indulgent comfort food mashups. The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements of a jalapeño popper with the melty, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This hybrid dish quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts for its bold flavors and satisfying ...

Dessert Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless comfort food, dating back to the early 20th century. The classic version, made with bread and melted cheese, became popular in America during the Great Depression due to its simplicity and affordability. As with many culinary staples, grilled cheese has evolved over the decades, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. One of the more recent innovations is the dessert grilled cheese sandwich, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that has captivated food lovers. The concept of dessert grilled cheese sandwiches likely emerged from the broader trend of blending sweet and savory flavors in cuisine. While the exact origin is unclear, this trend gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as chefs began to push the boundaries of traditional dishes. The dessert grilled cheese sandwich can be seen as a playful twist on the classic, where the savory elements (usually cheese) are paired with sweet ...