Get ready to transform your favorite snack into a healthier, yet equally delicious, experience! These **Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites** are the epitome of crispy, juicy chicken loaded with the iconic zesty flavor of classic Buffalo wings. Imagine all the bold taste you crave, prepared with minimal oil and absolutely no bones – making them incredibly easy to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, seeking a quick weeknight dinner solution, or simply having a sudden craving for that signature Buffalo kick, these chicken bites are your new go-to recipe.
Why Choose Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites?
In a world where speed and health often battle with flavor, air frying emerges as a clear winner. These Buffalo chicken bites offer a fantastic alternative to traditional deep-fried boneless wings, drastically reducing the amount of oil used without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method not only makes cleanup easier but also presents a lighter option for indulging in your favorite spicy snack. They’re quick enough for busy evenings and impressive enough to be the star appetizer at any social event.
Key Considerations Before You Begin
To ensure your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time, a little preparation and understanding of key ingredients go a long way. These insights will help you achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Boneless Wing Style: This recipe delivers a breaded and air-fried version of boneless wings, using a seasoned Panko breadcrumb coating for that signature crispiness. Unlike traditional wings, these are made from bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, offering a convenient and less messy eating experience.
- Choosing Your Chicken: We recommend using **chicken tenderloins** (often labeled chicken tenders) for their consistent size and inherent tenderness. However, you can easily substitute cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast. Aim for uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Adjusting the Heat Level: The beauty of Buffalo chicken is its customizable spice. Select a Buffalo wing sauce that matches your preferred heat intensity – whether you prefer a milder, tangy flavor or a fiery kick. For those who love the crunch but not the heat, consider our Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe, which offers all the crispiness without the spice.
- Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are a game-changer for air frying. Their larger, flakier texture results in a much crispier coating compared to standard breadcrumbs, which can sometimes become dense or soggy. Don’t skip the Panko if you’re aiming for maximum crunch!
The Ultimate Guide to Making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
Crafting these irresistible Buffalo chicken bites is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple yet crucial steps. Follow along to create perfectly breaded, air-fried, and sauced chicken that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Perfecting the Chicken Prep and Breading
The foundation of delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites lies in proper preparation and a thorough breading process. Taking a few extra moments here will ensure tender chicken and a consistently crispy, flavorful coating.
Begin by preparing your chicken tenderloins. Many tenderloins come with a tough white tendon still attached. Removing this tendon is a small step that makes a big difference in the tenderness of your cooked chicken. To do this easily, slide a fork underneath the tendon, wedging it between two tines. Hold the fork firmly against a cutting board with one hand, then grip the exposed end of the tendon with a paper towel (for a better grip) and pull it upward steadily. The tendon should slide out cleanly. Once the tendons are removed, cut the chicken into uniform **1-inch chunks**. This ensures that all pieces cook evenly and are perfect bite-sized morsels.
Next, set up your breading station. This classic three-step method guarantees a well-coated chicken piece every time. Use shallow bowls or dedicated breading trays for ease:
- Seasoned Flour Dredge: In your first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with precisely half of the total quantities of **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **smoked paprika**, **kosher salt**, and freshly ground **black pepper**. This initial layer of seasoned flour helps the egg wash adhere effectively and builds a strong flavor base.
- Buffalo Egg Wash: For the second bowl, whisk a large whole egg with a couple of tablespoons of your favorite bottled Buffalo Wing Sauce. We highly recommend Frank’s RedHot for its classic flavor profile, but feel free to use your preferred brand or even a homemade Buffalo sauce if you have one. Incorporating Buffalo sauce into the egg wash adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the breading stick even better.
- Panko Coating with Remaining Seasonings: In your third and final bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the remaining half of the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper). Panko’s coarse texture is key to achieving that desirable airy crispness in the air fryer.
To bread each Buffalo Chicken Bite, start by **dredging** each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s lightly but completely coated. Gently shake off any excess flour. Next, **dip** the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, **roll** the chicken piece in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly on all sides to ensure a thick and even coating. It’s crucial that no bare chicken spots are visible, as this helps prevent the chicken from drying out and ensures maximum crispiness.
As you bread, it’s a good practice to periodically toss the breadcrumbs with your fingertips. This redistributes the seasonings that might settle at the bottom of the bowl, ensuring every piece of chicken receives an equally flavorful and crunchy coating. This meticulous attention to detail during breading is what sets these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites apart.
Step 2: Achieving Crispy Perfection in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is your best friend for achieving perfectly crispy Buffalo chicken bites with minimal oil. Proper technique ensures a golden-brown, crunchy exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
First, always preheat your air fryer to **400°F (200°C)**. Preheating is crucial for consistent cooking and immediate crisping upon contact, preventing the chicken from sitting in a cooling basket and becoming soggy. Refer to your specific air fryer model’s instructions, as preheating times can vary.
Once breaded, lightly spray the chicken bites with a **neutral, high-heat cooking oil** like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. This helps the Panko achieve that beautiful golden crispness and provides an even, fried-like texture. You can use a store-bought cooking spray or a refillable oil mister for best coverage. Avoid aerosol sprays that contain propellants, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time.
Carefully arrange the chicken pieces in a **single layer** in the air fryer basket. It is absolutely essential to leave ample space between each piece for hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding the basket is the most common mistake when air frying, as it traps steam and will lead to steamed chicken rather than crispy chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, work in batches to ensure every piece gets equally crisp. Patience here pays off with superior texture.
**Cook for 8 minutes total, flipping the chicken bites halfway through** (at the 4-minute mark). When flipping, check the coating; if it appears dry or dull, give the bites another light spritz of oil. The chicken is perfectly done when it reaches a beautiful **golden brown color**, feels visibly **crispy** to the touch, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a piece registers an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)**. This ensures both safety and optimal texture.
Step 3: The Signature Buffalo Sauce Toss
The final touch that transforms crispy chicken bites into iconic Buffalo Chicken Bites is a generous coating of rich, tangy, and spicy Buffalo sauce. This step is quick but crucial for melding all the flavors.
While your chicken is air frying, prepare the Buffalo sauce mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining quantity of **Buffalo wing sauce** with a tablespoon of **melted unsalted butter**. The butter is not just for richness; it plays a vital role in helping the sauce cling beautifully to the crispy breading and adds a velvety smoothness to the final coating.
Once the air fryer signals that your chicken is done, immediately transfer the hot, crispy bites directly into the bowl with the prepared Buffalo sauce. Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently but thoroughly toss the chicken until each piece is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as you want to preserve the integrity of that hard-earned crispy breading. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce adhere even better, creating a harmonious blend of crunch and tang. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their prime crispiness!
Storing, Reheating, and Enjoying Leftovers
While these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are truly at their best when hot, crispy, and fresh from the air fryer, leftovers can still be thoroughly enjoyed with the right approach.
To store any remaining chicken bites, first allow them to cool completely at room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make the breading soggy. Once cooled, transfer them to an **airtight container** and refrigerate promptly, ideally within **2 hours** of cooking. Stored properly, they will keep for up to **3-4 days** in the refrigerator.
For reheating, we highly recommend using your air fryer again to revive their crispy texture. Avoid the microwave, as it will inevitably result in a soft, often rubbery, breading. To reheat, place the chilled chicken bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer (without overcrowding) and air fry at **375°F (190°C)** for **5–8 minutes**. Flip them halfway through to ensure even reheating and crispness. They are perfectly reheated when they are hot throughout (reaching an internal temperature of **165°F / 74°C**) and the breading has regained its desired crispiness.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
These crispy, zesty Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways beyond a simple appetizer. Here are some ideas to make them a star at any meal or gathering:
- Classic Dipping Duo: Embrace the traditional pairing! Serve them hot with generous bowls of creamy ranch dressing or robust homemade blue cheese dressing for dipping. The cool, refreshing crunch of **celery and carrot sticks** offers the perfect contrast to balance the spicy heat of the Buffalo sauce, just like with classic Buffalo wings.
- Ultimate Game Day Spread: Elevate your game day feast by serving these bites alongside other crowd-pleasing favorites. They pair wonderfully with a variety of snacks such as **pizza slices, crispy French fries, or golden onion rings**. For a truly irresistible combo, try them with our Air Fryer Potato Wedges. They also make an excellent addition to a platter of other finger foods, like Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks or loaded potato skins.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Turn your leftovers or a fresh batch into a hearty meal. Pile the spicy chicken bites onto a toasted hoagie roll or brioche bun. Slather the roll with ranch or blue cheese dressing, then top with the chicken and a slice of provolone cheese, melted under a broiler or in the microwave until bubbly. Add a layer of crisp lettuce and tomato for freshness.
- Salads & Wraps for Lunch: For a quick and flavorful lunch, toss these Buffalo chicken bites onto a crisp green salad. Add your favorite vegetables, a drizzle of ranch, and perhaps some crumbled blue cheese for a vibrant and satisfying meal. Alternatively, roll them into a large tortilla with fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, and a generous amount of dressing for an easy, portable wrap.
- Comfort Food Dinner: Pair these zesty bites with comforting sides for a fulfilling dinner. They’re fantastic alongside rich and creamy mac and cheese, such as our Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese. Other great accompaniments include sweet corn on the cob, a warm slice of buttermilk cornbread, or a simple side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand you might have questions about making the best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites. Here are answers to some common queries:
- Can I bake these chicken bites instead of air frying? Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this helps with air circulation for crispiness). Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). While delicious, the air fryer typically yields a crispier result in less time.
- What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs? While Panko is highly recommended for its superior crispiness, you can use regular fine breadcrumbs as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly denser and less airy. You might also need to slightly adjust cooking times.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can prep the chicken by removing tendons and cutting it into pieces a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the crispiest results, we recommend breading the chicken just before air frying. If you must bread ahead, store the breaded chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the fridge for up to a few hours, covered lightly, but be aware it may lose some crispness.
- How do I make the Buffalo sauce spicier or milder? To increase the heat, choose a hotter Buffalo wing sauce (some brands offer extra hot versions) or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sauce mixture. For a milder flavor, select a mild Buffalo sauce or slightly increase the amount of melted butter to temper the spice.
Explore More Air Fryer Recipes
If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these Buffalo Chicken Bites, you’ll be thrilled to discover other amazing dishes you can create with your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Coconut Shrimp
Looking for even more ways to cook with your Air Fryer? Check out our full Air Fryer recipe collection for a wide array of inspiring dishes!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
Crispy and flavorful with the zesty kick of Buffalo sauce, this recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites is a breaded twist on boneless wings that uses a lot less oil than frying. Great for game day!
15 minutes
8 minutes
23 minutes
4 servings
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins, tendons removed and chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Buffalo Wing Sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
- Oil cooking spray (neutral, high-heat oil)
For the Sauce and to Serve
- 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Celery and carrot sticks, for serving
- Ranch dressing, for dipping OR
- Buttermilk blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
Bread and Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare 3 shallow bowls or trays for breading.
- In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce.
- In the third bowl, combine the panko with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the flour, shake off excess. Then, dip into the egg mixture. Finally, roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere crumbs to all sides of the chicken.
- Working in batches, arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with a neutral, high-heat cooking oil. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) is reached.
Sauce and Serve
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Buffalo sauce and the melted butter. Add the hot air-fried chicken bites and gently toss with a spoon or rubber spatula until evenly coated.
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken Bites immediately with celery and carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
*Nutrition estimate does not include extras or dipping sauces.
Nutrition Estimate
Serving: 0.25 recipe | Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 2857mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
About Our Recipes
Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.
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