These air fryer buffalo chicken bites are crispy, juicy, and tossed in bold buffalo sauce no deep frying needed. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or easy weeknight dinners. Save this air fryer buffalo chicken bites recipe for a spicy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy (ready in about 20 minutes)
- Crispy without deep frying
- Family-friendly (adjust spice level easily)
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
- Perfect for parties, snacks, or meal prep
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Chicken
- 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Wet Coating
- 2 large eggs
Buffalo Sauce
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for richer flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station – One bowl with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken – Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat evenly in breadcrumbs.
- Air fry – Arrange chicken bites in a single layer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in sauce – Transfer hot chicken to a bowl and gently toss with buffalo sauce (and butter, if using).
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the basket
- Mild version: Use less buffalo sauce or mix with honey or ranch
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne or chili powder to the flour mix
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–6 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks
- Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Add to wraps, salads, or bowls
- Serve on a platter for parties or game nights
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – estimates)
- Calories: 300
- Carbs: 18 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 11 g
Conclusion
These air fryer buffalo chicken bites are the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and juicy without the mess of frying. They’re fast, flavorful, and versatile enough for snacks, meals, or parties. Save this recipe, share it, and enjoy bold buffalo flavor anytime.
FAQ
Can I freeze air fryer buffalo chicken bites?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken bites without sauce for up to 2 months. Toss with buffalo sauce after reheating.
How can I make them ahead of time?
Cook the chicken bites ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer, then toss with sauce before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are extra juicy and work great in this recipe.
Do I need oil for this recipe?
No oil is required, but a light spray can help with browning if desired.
Why aren’t my chicken bites crispy?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.