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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) These chicken breasts make the nuggets tender. The buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika This marinade gives the chicken a rich taste. Each spice adds its unique touch to the flavor. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite) The coating creates a crispy texture. The cayenne pepper adds heat, while brown sugar balances the spice. Using these ingredients, we create an amazing dish that satisfies every craving. Start by gathering your ingredients. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir these well until they blend into a smooth marinade. This mix gives the chicken its flavor and helps keep it moist. Next, cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces into the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for flavor. The longer you marinate, the more tasty the chicken will be. Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. This coating adds a crunchy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Take each marinated chicken piece and dip it into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated. Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between them for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, you might need to work in batches. Lightly spray the chicken nuggets with cooking spray. This helps them get crispy. Air fry the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. Once they turn golden brown and are cooked through, they are ready. While the nuggets cook, mix your favorite hot sauce with a little leftover marinade for a spicy sauce. After cooking, transfer the nuggets to a bowl and drizzle the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat. Enjoy your crunchy treat! To get that crunchy texture, start with a good marinate. Buttermilk works great. It makes the chicken moist and tender. When you coat the nuggets, ensure each piece gets a nice layer of flour. This helps them crisp up. A light spray of cooking oil before air frying adds extra crunch. Cook your chicken nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Avoid crowding the basket. This keeps the heat flowing around the chicken, making it crispy. Always check for doneness. The chicken should be golden and cooked through. Pair these spicy nuggets with tasty sauces. Ranch dressing cools down the heat well. You can also try honey mustard for a sweet kick. If you like it hot, mix some hot sauce with mayo for a zesty dip. Feel free to get creative! {{image_2}} You can make these nuggets as spicy as you like. For spicy nuggets, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mix. You can also increase the hot sauce in the marinade. If you prefer mild nuggets, reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. This way, the flavor stays strong, but the heat is low. You can even skip the hot sauce entirely for a tasty, non-spicy version. If you want gluten-free nuggets, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. There are many good options, like almond flour or chickpea flour. These flours add a unique flavor and texture. Be sure to check that your hot sauce is also gluten-free. The buttermilk can be replaced with a dairy-free milk mixed with vinegar to create a similar tangy effect. To make these nuggets vegan, use plant-based chicken substitutes. Look for products that have a similar texture to chicken. You can also use tofu or tempeh. Marinate them just like you would with chicken. For the buttermilk, use a non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar. The coating can stay the same, but make sure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly. Enjoy these vegan nuggets with the same spicy sauce for a great kick! To store leftover Nashville hot chicken nuggets, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using the air fryer for best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and tasty. If you want to freeze the nuggets, do so after they cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, follow the reheating tips mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken absorb the marinade. It also ensures even cooking. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, follow the same steps for marinating and cooking. Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish. It comes from Nashville, Tennessee. The chicken is marinated, fried, and coated with a spicy sauce. This sauce often contains cayenne pepper and hot sauce. The result is a crispy, flavorful treat with a kick. People love to eat it with pickles and bread to balance the heat. Nashville hot chicken nuggets can be very spicy. The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne and hot sauce used. If you like it mild, you can cut back on these ingredients. On the other hand, if you love spice, feel free to add more. You can always adjust the heat to fit your taste. In this post, we covered how to make tasty chicken nuggets. We looked at key ingredients, from the marinade to the coating mix. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating and air frying. We also shared tips for crispy nuggets and the best dips. Plus, you discovered fun variations like gluten-free and vegan options. In the end, making your own chicken nuggets is simple and fun. Enjoy your cooking!

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets

Discover the irresistible crunch of Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets! These bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken marinated in a blend of spices and heat are perfect for any occasion. With a quick prep time, enjoy a deliciously crispy treat that’s healthier than traditional frying. Ready to spice up your mealtime? Click to explore the full recipe and get cooking for a flavorful experience that will leave everyone wanting more!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to create a marinade.

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

      In another bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

          Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. One by one, dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

            Place the coated chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer's size.

              Spray the chicken nuggets lightly with cooking spray for optimal crispiness.

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

                  While the chicken is cooking, mix the hot sauce with a little bit of the leftover marinade to create a spicy sauce.

                    Once the nuggets are done, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the spicy sauce over the top. Toss to coat the nuggets evenly.

                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

                        - Serving Suggestions: Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets on a platter with pickles, sliced bread, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!