Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

This post may contain affiliate links.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken is a new healthy twist on the classic Southern dish that people rave about! With iconic sweet heat flavors of honey, cayenne, and hot sauce coating crispy air-fried chicken, this recipe will have you licking your lips and your fingers to savor every amazing bite.

Red basket with Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders cooked in the air fyer area crispy and spicy served with pickles.

Pin This Recipe For Later

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a spicy ride! If you love fried chicken (who doesn’t) and can take some heat, then Nashville Hot Chicken is right up your alley.

I’ve taken the traditional spicy, sweet heat recipe and put my own spin on things. I use chicken tenders and cook them in the air fryer! The results are outstanding. The chicken is tender and juicy and cooks in very little oil at a fraction of the time of regular fried chicken.

Then, I take that crispy chicken and drizzle it in warm, spicy honey. I’m telling you right now, it is off-the-charts delicious!

What’s The Story Behind Nashville Hot Chicken?

The origins of Nashville hot chicken can be traced back to the 1930s, when a woman named Andre Prince Jeffries came up with the recipe for hot chicken for her husband. This led to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack being born, which is still a popular spot in Nashville to this day, with folks lining up and waiting for hours to get some of that amazing hot, spicy chicken.

What’s Needed To Make This Recipe

Chicken

Chicken Tenders – also known as chicken tenderloins or chicken strips.
All-purpose Flour – breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs can be substituted if needed.
Buttermilk
Granulated Garlic Powder
Granulated Onion Powder
Paprika
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper

Hot Sauce Ingredients

Honey
Cayenne Pepper
Hot Sauce – your favorite brand

Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions

How To Make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

This recipe has very little prep time and is super easy to make!

Mix the dry ingredients together in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken into the seasoned flour, next in buttermilk, then again in the flour mixture. Place the chicken on a baking sheet to rest while the air fryer preheats.
Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer and the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and continue to cook for 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan, mix together the honey, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Bring to a low boil, then reduce and simmer for 2–3 minutes, whisking until smooth.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and drizzle with the hot honey. All that’s left is to dig in!

Spoon full of hot honey drizzled over air fryer crispy chicken tenders served Nashville style along with pcikles and french fries.

Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

After coating the chicken with the seasoned flour and buttermilk, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and results in juicy meat.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. I cook the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly.
Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer and the chicken strips with cooking spray before cooking. This will help the chicken brown up just like traditional fried chicken.
Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

How To Serve This Amazing Chicken

This spicy, delicious chicken goes well with just about anything, but especially with classic Southern side dishes. Traditionally served with a slice of white bread and pickles, I like to add some of these favorites alongside a plate full of spicy chicken:

Hot chicken tenders, Nashville style served with pickles and french fries on a black plate for dinner, a snack or for lunch.

Often Asked Questions And Answers

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a rich, tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Yep, you can use your favorite hot sauce in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the spice level accordingly, depending on the heat level of the sauce.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

You can make the hot chicken seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can also cook the chicken, keep it warm, the drizzle on the hot honey before serving.

Can other cuts of chicken be used?

Sure! You can use chicken wings, chicken breasts, or thighs. If using bone-in, make sure to test the chicken with an instant-read thermometer, which should read 165 degrees when cooked through.

More Amazing Air Fryer Recipes

Want To Know More About Air Frying?

If you are new to cooking with an Air Fryer or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Air Fryer like a pro!

How To Get Started With Air Frying