Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

If you’re craving deeply flavorful, fiery, and crispy chicken right from your own kitchen, these Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. This version uses the air fryer, so you get tender, juicy chicken with a crunchy coating—and that signature spicy, sweet glaze—without deep frying. Prepare for a taste experience that’s bold, unforgettable, and a snap to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes these Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders so extraordinary is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something magic. Each element is essential—layering flavor, heat, and texture so each bite hits all the right notes.

• Chicken Tenders: These provide the juicy, tender bite and cook quickly in the air fryer.
• Milk & Hot Sauce: Whisked together as a marinade, they ensure the chicken stays moist and infuse the meat with a subtle, spicy foundation.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: The secret to that extra crispy, airy coating that shatters with every bite.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices deepen the flavor profile and add a warm, savory touch to the breading.
• Salt & Pepper: Classic essentials for maximizing taste at every layer.
• Oil (Spray): A light coating is all you need for the crispiest, most even finish in the air fryer—no deep fryer required!
• Peanut Oil: Used in the hot paste, it carries the blend of spices and gives that signature glossy sheen.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the bold heat.
• Cayenne Pepper: The soul of the real Nashville kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
• Dry Mustard & Additional Seasonings: Layered into the fiery paste for complexity and bite.

Variations

One of the best parts about making Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders at home is you can truly make them your own! Whether you need to dial down the heat or want a gluten-free twist, here are easy ways to adapt this spicy staple to suit your crowd.

• Mild Version: For less heat, simply cut back on the cayenne or use smoked paprika in its place for all the flavor without the fire.
• Gluten-Free: Swap panko bread crumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative and double-check your seasonings for hidden gluten.
• Baked Instead of Air Fried: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tenders at 425°F on a greased rack until golden and crisp.
• Alternative Oils: Allergic to peanuts? Use avocado, canola, or any high-heat neutral oil when making the hot paste.

How to Make Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by gently seasoning your chicken tenders with a little salt and pepper. This quick step builds the base layer of flavor so the chicken itself is never bland, no matter how bold the exterior. Set the seasoned tenders aside while you prepare your dredging station.

Step 2: Make the Dredge Stations

Set up two bowls—one for wet, one for dry. In the first, whisk together the milk and hot sauce until fully combined. In the second, stir together the panko, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates layers of heat and savory flavor in each coating.

Step 3: Dredge and Bread the Tenders

Dunk each seasoned chicken tender into the milk-hot sauce mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, press each tender firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This double-dip is key to a thick, satisfying crunch after air frying.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Give them a light mist of oil spray for golden edges. Air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping and spritzing again halfway through, until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Step 5: Make the Signature Hot Paste

While the tenders finish cooking, it’s time for the game-changing Nashville hot paste. Add peanut oil, brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, and salt to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything dissolves and gets bubbly, then immediately remove from heat to keep the flavors sharp and the oil infused, not burned.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

As soon as your chicken tenders are done, add them to a large bowl and pour that fragrant, fiery hot paste over top. Gently toss with tongs until every piece is shimmering, saucy, and ready to take center stage. Dig in while they’re piping hot!

How to Serve Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Classic garnishes bring out the best in these spicy chicken tenders! Thin slices of dill pickle add crunch and coolness, while a little drizzle of honey mellows the fire for those who want a sweet-scorch balance. For a vibrant touch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives works wonders.

Side Dishes

Keep it Southern with fluffy white bread for soaking up every drop of hot paste, or serve with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or tangy potato salad. Even a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad pairs perfectly with Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your inner chef shine: Pile these tenders onto a toasted bun with lettuce and pickles for the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich, or slice and scatter them over a salad for a fiery main. For parties, serve bite-sized on toothpicks with ranch or blue cheese dip and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders will stay fresh and crispy when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always let them cool first to prevent steam from making the breading soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the tenders cool completely and freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just remember the breading may soften slightly after thawing, but a quick re-crisp in the air fryer works wonders!

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat tenders in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes, or until sizzling and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soft instead of crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving bold, crispy, spicy comfort food, there’s nothing quite like homemade Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders. Whether you keep them blazing-hot or dial down the fire, every batch is a celebration of flavor and crunch. Can’t wait for you to try these—enjoy every spicy, saucy bite!

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