Description
These homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality crunch and spicy heat without the deep fryer. Using a double-dredge technique and an air fryer, this recipe ensures a crispy, juicy sandwich that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Splash of milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup dried buttermilk
- 2–4 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 4 brioche bun halves
- 1 cup creamy coleslaw
- 8 pickle chips
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with 1/2 cup flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika; Bowl 2 with beaten eggs and milk/buttermilk; Bowl 3 with remaining flour, cornstarch, and dried buttermilk.
- Dredge chicken in Bowl 1, dip in Bowl 2, then dredge again in Bowl 3 (double dredge). Press breading firmly onto chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray chicken with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry chicken in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, warm vegetable oil in a small saucepan. Whisk warm oil into cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to form a paste. Stir in vinegar.
- Brush the hot Nashville hot slurry generously over the cooked chicken.
- Toast brioche buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Assemble sandwiches with coleslaw, spicy chicken, and pickle chips. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, use a wire rack in the air fryer to allow air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket. The slurry can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes; do not use a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Homemade Fried Chicken, Weeknight Dinner