© 2026 AirFry Pro
RecipesGuideCheat SheetCalculatorBest Air FryersWhat Should I Air Fry?Suggest
PrivacyTerms
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Back
SpicyHigh Protein
Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

4.7(5)
15 min
Time
400°F
Temp
350 cal
Cal
4
Serves

Ingredients

Chicken
1.5 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
Dredge
1.5 cups flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp cayenne
½ tsp smoked paprika
Hot Oil
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp cayenne
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp hot sauce
Serving
Dill pickles
White bread slices

Equipment

  • Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
  • Oil Sprayer Mister
  • Air Fryer Parchment Liners

Steps

  1. 1

    Soak tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

  2. 2

    Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tbsp cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper. Dredge heavily.

  3. 3

    Spray with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internal.

  4. 4

    Mix melted butter with 2 tbsp cayenne, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Brush over hot tenders.

  5. 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.

🎉

How did it turn out?

Share your result and inspire others

Liked this recipe? There's more.

Get new recipes straight to your inbox.

More Chicken

Honey Garlic Crispy Wings
25 min400°FEasy

Honey Garlic Crispy Wings

Zero-oil wings with a sticky honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes to perfection.

4.7(4)
280 cal
Chicken Katsu
18 min400°FEasy

Chicken Katsu

Ultra-crispy panko-crusted chicken cutlets pounded thin for even cooking. Served with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage.

4.7(4)
340 cal
Chicken Parmesan
20 min400°FMedium

Chicken Parmesan

Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara and bubbly mozzarella. Italian-American perfection.

4.9(4)
420 cal