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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.

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