Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites 🍗🌶️🧈
These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are an irresistible combination of crispy, tender chicken with a zesty, spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for a game day snack, party appetizer, or a satisfying treat anytime! They’re healthier than traditional fried wings, and the air fryer makes them crispy without the extra oil. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and get you snacking!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Chicken Bites 🍗
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 large egg (for coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (for smoky flavor)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
For the Buffalo Sauce 🌶️🧈
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
- In a shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
3️⃣ Air Fry the Chicken Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4️⃣ Make the Buffalo Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the buffalo sauce and garlic powder (optional) to the melted butter. Stir until well combined and heated through.
5️⃣ Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
- Once the chicken bites are crispy and cooked, remove them from the air fryer.
- Place the crispy chicken bites in a bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the sauce.
6️⃣ Serve
- Serve the crispy buffalo chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch dressing or blue cheese).
- Pair with some celery sticks or carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch!
7️⃣ Enjoy!
- These buffalo chicken bites are spicy, crispy, and full of flavor—perfect for snacking, dipping, or as part of a fun meal. Enjoy! 🍽️✨
Pro Tips & Variations
- Spicy level: Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or using a spicier buffalo sauce. 🌶️
- Cheesy version: After tossing the chicken in buffalo sauce, sprinkle with shredded cheese and return to the air fryer for 1 minute to melt the cheese. 🧀
- Make it milder: To tone down the heat, mix some ranch dressing or Greek yogurt into the buffalo sauce.
- No air fryer? You can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 4-5 bites)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Potassium: 428mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 11%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs can be used, but they may require slightly more cooking time due to their higher fat content. Be sure to check for doneness.
Q2: How can I make the chicken bites extra crispy?
A2: Make sure to coat the chicken well in the breadcrumb mixture and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can also lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking to help achieve extra crispiness.
Q3: Can I make these buffalo chicken bites ahead of time?
A3: While these are best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken bites and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. To reheat, just air fry them for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Q4: How spicy is this buffalo chicken recipe?
A4: This recipe is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat based on your preferences. Use a milder buffalo sauce for a less spicy flavor, or add more hot sauce if you want a bigger kick.
Q5: Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
A5: Yes! You can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs. These will still provide a crispy coating while keeping it keto-friendly.
Q6: How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?
A6: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a great way to ensure the chicken is done.
Conclusion
These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are the ultimate snack for anyone craving something spicy, crunchy, and full of flavor. They’re healthier than traditional fried wings and easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or just a tasty treat for yourself, these buffalo chicken bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!