Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are a quick, crispy, and flavorful snack that captures the bold taste of classic buffalo wings without the mess. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce, these bites are perfect for game days, parties, or as a tasty appetizer. The air fryer makes them lighter and less greasy than traditional fried options while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
*Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
*Flour
*Cornstarch
*Garlic powder
*Onion powder
*Paprika
*Salt
*Black pepper
*Eggs
*Buffalo sauce
*Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, heat the buffalo sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until warm.
- Once the chicken bites are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese over the chicken bites before serving for a cheesy twist.
- For a milder flavor, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey to balance the heat.
- Serve with celery or carrot sticks for a classic sidekick.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover buffalo chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and coating it.
How spicy are these chicken bites?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and tend to stay juicier.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these chicken bites are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites offer all the flavor of buffalo wings but in a quicker, lighter form. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, these chicken bites are perfect for anyone craving bold flavors without the extra calories. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are crispy, tender pieces of chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier version of a classic appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss the cooked chicken bites in the buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for the crispiest results.