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To make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets, you will need: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (for basting) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for the hot sauce mixture) - 1 tablespoon additional hot sauce (for the hot sauce mixture) If you need alternatives, here are some great options: - For chicken breast, you can use chicken thighs. They stay juicy. - Instead of buttermilk, mix milk with a bit of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. - You can swap all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version. - If you don't have cayenne pepper, use crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Quality matters in cooking! Use fresh chicken for the best taste. Look for buttermilk that is creamy and not too watery. Fresh spices, like paprika and garlic powder, will make your nuggets pop with flavor. Check that your hot sauce has a good balance of heat and flavor. This ensures your Nashville hot chicken nuggets will be a crunchy treat everyone loves! To start, grab a bowl and mix 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. This gives the chicken a nice kick. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir well. Make sure each piece is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, marinate overnight. The longer, the better! In another bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix this well. This blend will give your chicken nuggets a tasty crust. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, take each chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture. Let any extra liquid drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s well-covered. Shake off any extra flour before placing the nuggets on a plate. Next, lightly spray or brush your air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer. You may have to cook them in batches. Spray the tops with a bit of cooking spray to help them crisp up. Cook the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. When they are done, take them out and prepare the hot sauce mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of extra hot sauce. Once the chicken nuggets are out, toss them in this hot sauce mix until they are well-coated. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy treat! To get that perfect crunch, start with the right coating. Use a mix of flour and spices. Make sure each nugget is well-coated. Shake off any extra flour before cooking. This helps keep the texture light. Also, spray the nuggets with a little oil before air frying. This step is key for crispiness. Nashville hot chicken is known for its heat. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mix. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a unique flavor. Experiment with different hot sauces in the marinade too. Each sauce has its own heat level and flavor profile. Dipping sauces can take your nuggets to the next level. Here are some great pairings: - Ranch dressing - Blue cheese dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Extra hot sauce These sauces balance the heat and add more taste. Serve them on the side for a fun treat. {{image_2}} You can make these nuggets in the oven if you want. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. After coating the chicken, place the nuggets on the sheet in a single layer. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a slightly different texture but keeps them tasty. Want to make these nuggets gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many great options are available at stores. Also, check your hot sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the crunchy goodness without worry. Feel free to customize your nuggets! You can add unique spices for a twist. Try these options: - Smoked paprika for a richer flavor - Cumin for a warm, earthy note - Chili powder for extra heat These spices can enhance the taste and make your nuggets stand out. Don't be afraid to experiment! After enjoying your Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, place the nuggets in an airtight container. This step helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If they sit longer, they may lose their crunch and taste. To enjoy your nuggets again, reheating is key. The best way is to use the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method brings back the crispy texture. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway to heat evenly. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to save some nuggets for later, freezing works well. Place the cooled nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen using the air fryer or oven. - How to maintain flavor and texture: - For flavor, add a touch of hot sauce to the marinade before freezing. - For texture, ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals. - Always reheat to a high temperature for that perfect crunch. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it first in the fridge. This will help the chicken absorb the buttermilk and hot sauce mix. Once thawed, follow the same steps for marinating and cooking. The nuggets will still turn out crispy and tasty. To adjust the spice level, change the cayenne pepper. For less heat, use less cayenne. You can also add more hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra kick. For mild nuggets, skip the cayenne entirely. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side for those who like it hot. Nashville hot chicken nuggets go great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw: Its cool crunch balances the heat. - Mac and cheese: Creamy cheese pairs well with spicy chicken. - French fries: Crispy fries are a classic match. - Pickles: Their tangy crunch adds a nice contrast. - Drinks: Sweet tea or lemonade cools the spice and refreshes. These sides will make your meal more fun and tasty! This blog post covered all you need for making Nashville hot chicken nuggets. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for great taste. Remember, quality counts in both ingredients and cooking methods. Try different spices and sauces to find your perfect flavor. Store leftovers properly to keep them tasty. With these easy steps, you’ll impress everyone with your cooking. Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken nuggets!

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets

Dive into the delicious world of Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets! This quick and easy recipe transforms juicy chicken into spicy, crispy bites that are perfect for any gathering or snack craving. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can prepare these mouthwatering nuggets in no time. Don't wait—click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with these irresistible treats!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (for basting)

1 tablespoon brown sugar (for the hot sauce mixture)

1 tablespoon additional hot sauce (for the hot sauce mixture)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

    Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This will be the dry coating for your nuggets.

      Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Shake off any excess flour and place on a plate.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Fry the Nuggets: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the coated chicken nuggets in the basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.

            Air Fry: Cook the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

              Prepare the Hot Sauce Mixture: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and additional hot sauce in a small bowl.

                Coat in Hot Sauce: Once the chicken nuggets are done, immediately toss them in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.

                  Serve: Serve the Nashville hot chicken nuggets hot, with extra hot sauce on the side if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve on a platter lined with parchment paper, garnished with pickles and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Add a sprinkle of extra cayenne for a visual punch!