Crispy and perfectly golden, smothered in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, this Nashviille Hot Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food recipe.
I’m not quite sure how I survived without my Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer. It cooks items rather quickly, clean up is a breeze and did I mention how easy it is to create fabulous meals? I’m seriously obsessed, and I’m gonna keep rollin’ with it. From Crispy Gouda Eggplant Fries to Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits, I’m completely smitten with this lovely contraption.
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich:
Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. The chicken is tender and juicy in the middle while golden crisp on the outside. So the next time you’re craving this awe-inspiring southern treat, just follow this recipe and you’ll be hooked! It’s made with stuff you probably already have on hand, so give it a whirl for dinner tonight!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Chicken Breasts
- Mayonnaise
- Pickle Juice
- Hot Sauce
- Seasonings
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Brown Sugar
- Peanut Oil
- Spongy White Bread
- Pickles
- Blue Cheese or Ranch (optional)
If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Chicken Wings!
HOW TO MAKE THE HOT CHICKEN SAUCE:
While the chicken is air frying, go ahead and whisk together the sauce. The key seasonings you’ll need are:
- Cayenne Pepper: This is mandatory, as it’s the most important ingredient for hot chicken. Feel free to adjust the measurements to your own heat preference. My recipe is very spicy!
- Smoked Paprika: I love the hint of smoke that this adds to the recipe. If you’re not a fan you could also use regular paprika.
- Garlic Powder: I add garlic to just about everything. So yummy.
- Ground Mustard: Adds a tangy heat, which pairs so nicely with the cayenne pepper and paprika.
- Brown Sugar: The perfect balance of sweet + heat. Speaking of that, have you tried my Sweet Heat Dry Rub?
OTHER AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Parmesan Air Fryer Fried Pickles
The Juiciest Air Fryer Fried Chicken Bites
How To Make Air Fryer Potato Wedges
The Ultimate Guide For Air Fryer Chickpeas
Sweet And Spicy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Pickle Juice Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
WHAT TO SERVE WITH NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN:
This is such a fulfilling recipe on its own. However, if you are feeding those with heartier appetites, try making one of the following side dishes to go along with it!
Super Creamy Mac and Cheese with Flaming Hot Cheetos
BLT Pasta Salad with Fresh Herb Dressing
CHECK OUT MORE YUMMY RECIPES HERE
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp. Pickle Juice
- 2 tbsp. Hot Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp. Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp. Onion Powder
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- ¼ cup Peanut Oil
- 1 tbsp. Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp. Ground Mustard
- ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
- Salt + Pepper, to taste (about ¼ tsp. each)
- 4 Slices White Bread
- Pickles, as needed
- Blue Cheese or Ranch, optional as needed
- Whisk the mayonnaise, pickle juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl. Pour panko bread crumbs in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F.
- Dunk each chicken breast into the pickle-mayo mixture and shake of any access before coating in the panko bread crumbs. Make sure the entire chicken breast is coated with bread crumbs on all sides.
- Place chicken on a parchment-paper lined air fryer sheet. Cook for 12 - 14 minutes on the middle rack of the air fryer. Test the chicken to ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 165F.
- While the chicken is air frying, whisk together all the ingredients for the Nashville hot sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it has begun to simmer, remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove chicken breasts from the air fryer and whisk the hot sauce before brushing it over all sides of the chicken. Serve immediately over two slices of white bread with pickles and optional blue cheese or ranch. Enjoy!
NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:
- I look for thinner cuts of chicken breasts when cooking this recipe. You could also pound your chicken flat. Thicker cuts may require more cooking time.
- Set the chicken out 10 – 15 minutes prior to cooking. I have found that it cooks more evenly. This is not 100% necessary, just my personal preference.
- Not a fan of heat? Follow this recipe though step five and enjoy! This makes for the most flavorful air fried chicken you’ve ever eat.
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