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Crispy Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

crispy air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for spicy, crispy Nashville hot chicken tenders made healthier in the air fryer. Perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders, trimmed
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Stir well to combine.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to form an even coat. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook another 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  6. While the tenders cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  7. Once cooked, immediately toss the hot chicken tenders in the spicy butter sauce using tongs to coat evenly.
  8. Arrange tenders on a plate, garnish with pickle slices or fresh herbs if desired, and serve.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes for best texture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep tenders crispy. Double dredge for extra crunch by dipping floured tenders back into wet mix and flour again before cooking. Let tenders rest 2 minutes before saucing. Sauce can be made ahead and stored up to a week in the fridge. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, spicy chicken, crispy chicken tenders, easy dinner, healthy fried chicken

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-air-fryer-nashville-hot-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-and-perfect/