Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken pieces tossed in spicy buffalo sauce in under 30 minutes. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional frying by reducing oil usage while still achieving a crunchy texture. Perfect as a snack or main dish, serve these flavorful bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coatings: Set out three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, place the panko breading.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko breading, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered at every step.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Gently toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Optional Crisping: For extra crispiness, return the buffalo-coated chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes at 400°F.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
