Irresistible Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders in 20 Minutes

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I tried Nashville hot chicken—it was love at first bite! That perfect crunch followed by a slow-building heat that makes your taste buds dance? Absolute magic. But here’s the thing: I wanted that same crispy, spicy goodness without all the oil from deep frying. Enter my extra crispy air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders—all the flavor with way less guilt.

I still remember that first batch I made in my air fryer, nervously peeking through the window every two minutes. The moment I pulled out those golden-brown tenders and tossed them in that fiery sauce? Game. Changer. Now it’s my go-to when I’m craving something indulgent but don’t want to feel weighed down. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to the greasy original!

Why You’ll Love These Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Let me count the ways these tenders will become your new obsession:

• Crispy perfection without the grease: That signature crunch you crave? The air fryer delivers it beautifully while cutting way down on oil
• Ready in under 20 minutes: From marinade to plate faster than takeout – perfect for busy weeknights
• Adjustable heat level: Make it mild or blow-your-socks-off spicy – it’s your kitchen, your rules
• Healthier indulgence: All the flavor of traditional hot chicken with way less guilt
• That addictive sauce: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery that’ll have you licking your fingers

Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with deep frying!

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 1 lb chicken tenders – or slice chicken breasts into strips if that’s what you’ve got
• 1 cup buttermilk – this tenderizes like nobody’s business (regular milk works in a pinch)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the crispy coating foundation
• 1 tsp paprika – for that beautiful color and mild sweetness
• 1 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper – adjust this for your perfect heat level
• 1/2 tsp salt – brings all the flavors together
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – just a little kick
• 2 tbsp hot sauce – I use Frank’s but any favorite works
• 2 tbsp melted butter – for that rich, glossy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar – balances the heat beautifully

See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that transform into something magical!

How to Make Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these tenders is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be biting into crispy, spicy perfection in no time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first – that buttermilk soak is non-negotiable! It tenderizes the chicken like magic while adding subtle tang. I like to let mine soak for at least 30 minutes (sometimes overnight if I’m planning ahead). You’ll know it’s ready when the tenders look plump and happy. Pro tip: add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor penetration!

Step 2: Coat the Tenders

Now for the crispy part! Mix your flour and spices in a shallow bowl – I use a pie plate because it’s the perfect size. Take each tender from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture. Here’s my secret: shake off that extra flour like you mean it! Too much coating = doughy instead of crispy.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – trust me, it makes all the difference. Arrange your tenders in a single layer (no crowding!) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip them over – they should be golden already – then cook another 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy enough to make that satisfying “tap” sound when you knock them together.

Step 4: Toss in Spicy Sauce

While the tenders cook, whisk together your hot sauce, melted butter, and brown sugar. As soon as those beauties come out of the air fryer, toss them in the sauce while they’re still piping hot – this helps the coating absorb all that spicy goodness. I use tongs and work quickly so every inch gets coated. Warning: resisting the urge to eat them straight from the bowl is nearly impossible!

Tips for the Best Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

After making these tenders more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:

• Spray that oil! A quick spritz of cooking spray before air frying gives you next-level crispiness without deep frying
• Heat control is key – start with less cayenne if you’re nervous, then add more to the sauce. You can always amp it up!
• Let them rest for 5 minutes after saucing – it helps the flavors soak in without making the coating soggy
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – give those tenders room to breathe and crisp up evenly
• Double dip for extra crunch: after the first coat, dunk back in buttermilk and flour again before cooking

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have restaurant-quality tenders every single time!

Serving Suggestions for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Now, let’s talk about how to serve these beauties! My absolute must-have? Classic dill pickle slices – that cool crunch cuts through the heat perfectly. A scoop of creamy coleslaw on the side balances everything out. For a real Nashville experience, pile them on white bread (it soaks up that glorious sauce!). Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that crispy magic. Pro tip: reheat before adding more sauce to keep that perfect crunch!

Extra Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders FAQs

I get asked about these tenders all the time – here are answers to the most common questions that pop up:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless breasts into 1-inch strips. They might need an extra minute or two in the air fryer since they’re thicker than tenders.

How can I make these less spicy?
Easy peasy! Cut the cayenne in half and use mild hot sauce. You can always add more heat after cooking with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
You bet! Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious. Try placing them on a wire rack for better airflow.

Why buttermilk? Can I substitute?
Buttermilk tenderizes like magic! In a pinch, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these ahead?
For sure! Marinate overnight, then coat and cook when ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (about 1 tender): 220 calories, 22g protein, 15g carbs, 8g fat. Remember, these values can vary based on your exact ingredients – consider it a helpful guide!

Rate This Recipe

Did you love these tenders as much as I do? Drop a rating below or tag me on Instagram – I’d love to see your spicy creations!

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