Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or snack. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier, less greasy alternative to traditional frying while maintaining that signature crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces (approximately 2 chicken breasts)
Coating Mix
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Breading
- 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 and promote even cooking.
- Prepare the Coatings: Set out three separate bowls. In the first, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, place the panko breading.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken piece by first dipping into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the panko breading, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for golden brown and cooked-through chicken (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over, and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly in the spicy sauce.
- Optional Crisping: For an extra crispy texture, return the buffalo-coated chicken to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes at 400°F.
- Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo chicken hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of chicken pieces and the brand/model of air fryer.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- For a milder flavor, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce variant.
- Use nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
