Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders is made with chicken tenders, buttermilk, flour, garlic powder; air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes to serve 4. 350 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Soak tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
- 2
Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tbsp cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper. Dredge heavily.
- 3
Spray with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internal.
- 4
Mix melted butter with 2 tbsp cayenne, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Brush over hot tenders.
- 5
Serve on white bread with dill pickles.
Tip: 3 tbsp cayenne is authentic Nashville hot. Scale down to 1 tbsp for mild. The brown sugar is essential for sweet-heat balance.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 15 minutes vs ~27 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 350 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders at 400°F for 15 minutes. 3 tbsp cayenne is authentic Nashville hot. Scale down to 1 tbsp for mild. The brown sugar is essential for sweet-heat balance.
You need: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders, 1 cup buttermilk, 1.5 cups flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp cayenne, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 3 tbsp butter, melted, 2 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp hot sauce, Dill pickles, White bread slices. This recipe serves 4 with 350 calories per serving.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders takes 15 minutes total at 400°F. Serve on white bread with dill pickles.
This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 4 and takes just 15 minutes at 400°F.
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