Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and spicy. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer—no deep frying required. They’re ideal for game day snacks, appetizers, or a quick dinner, and they’re ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.

ingredients

chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
all-purpose flour
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
eggs
breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
buffalo sauce
unsalted butter (melted)
cooking spray

directions

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

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

In a second bowl, beat the eggs.

In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the chicken bites in a single layer.

Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with buffalo sauce.

Toss the cooked chicken bites in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
Make them milder by using a honey buffalo or BBQ sauce.
Add a touch of cayenne for extra heat.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before coating and cooking.

What type of buffalo sauce should I use?
Any store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce works—choose based on your preferred heat level.

Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Can I bake them instead?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites deliver bold flavor and crispy texture with less oil and mess. They’re a fast, fun, and fiery snack or meal option that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something spicy and satisfying. Serve them up for parties, family dinners, or anytime you need a delicious bite with a kick.