Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken is the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or any occasion when you’re craving crispy, spicy, and tender chicken bites. These boneless chicken pieces are coated in a crispy, flavorful breading and tossed in a zesty homemade buffalo sauce. Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe is fast, easy, and delivers all the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings with a healthier twist. The chicken is coated in a crispy breading and then air fried to perfection, giving you the crunch of fried food without all the oil. Tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, this dish packs the perfect amount of heat and flavor. Plus, the air fryer makes it quick and simple to cook—ready in just 31 minutes!
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces (approximately 2 chicken breasts)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 cups panko breading
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1 cup buffalo sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with nonstick spray. -
Prepare the Coating:
Set out three separate bowls:-
In the first bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
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In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs.
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In the third bowl, place the panko breading.
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Dredge the Chicken:
Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breading. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. -
Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single even layer in the basket of the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). -
Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken. Gently toss to coat each piece with the sauce. -
Optional Crispy Finish:
If you prefer extra crispy chicken, place the buffalo-coated chicken back into the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes. -
Serve:
Serve the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 11 minutes
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Total Time: 31 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, add some extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken: After tossing the chicken in the buffalo sauce, sprinkle it with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and pop it back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted.
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Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour or a low-carb breading alternative for a keto-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to regain its crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pieces.
2. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
To get even crispier chicken, double coat it by dipping it in the flour mixture, then egg mixture, then flour mixture again before air frying.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
For best results, use thawed chicken. If using frozen chicken, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken.
5. What other dipping sauces can I serve with these chicken bites?
In addition to ranch and blue cheese, you can serve these buffalo chicken bites with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip for a lighter option.
6. Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
7. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which you can check using a meat thermometer.
8. Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the air fryer with the chicken. Just make sure they’re cut into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
9. Can I make these ahead of time?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to make these fresh. However, you can prep the chicken by breading it ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator. Air fry it when you’re ready to serve.
10. How do I make the buffalo sauce less spicy?
To make the buffalo sauce less spicy, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce variety. You can also add more butter to balance out the heat.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken is the perfect appetizer—crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! These chicken bites are tossed in a delicious homemade buffalo sauce, offering all the bold flavors you love without the need for deep frying. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. Whether for a party, game day, or a weeknight snack, these buffalo chicken bites are sure to be a hit!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken is a quick and easy appetizer made with crispy, breaded chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful homemade buffalo sauce. This healthier version of the classic buffalo wings is made in the air fryer, ensuring the chicken is tender inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious snack, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and savory!
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces (approximately 2 chicken breasts)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breading
1 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Coatings:
Set out three separate bowls.
In the first bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs.
In the third bowl, add the panko breading.
Dredge the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breading. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in each step.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (If your air fryer is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.)
Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken pieces to coat evenly.
Optional Crisping:
For an extra crispy finish, place the buffalo-coated chicken back in the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes at 400°F.
Serve:
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste. You can also use a combination of buffalo sauce and melted butter for a more balanced taste.
To make the chicken even crispier, you can spray a little extra nonstick spray on top of the chicken before air frying.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
