Our air fryer buffalo chicken is a spicy, crispy dinner recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes! We use a simple combination of buffalo sauce and a few pantry staples to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal! Just 5 ingredients and about 8 minutes of prep time!
Ingredient Notes
🔹Chicken: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this air fryer buffalo chicken! You could also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or chicken tenders for a quicker cook time. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly!
🔹Buffalo Sauce: This is the star ingredient that gives our chicken that classic spicy kick! You can use any brand of buffalo sauce from the grocery store. For milder flavor, choose a mild buffalo sauce, or go for hot if you like things spicy!
🔹Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give our chicken an extra crispy coating that gets perfectly golden in the air fryer! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, or try crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers for a different twist.
🔹Garlic Powder: Just a little garlic powder adds depth to our breading mixture.
🔹Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings help enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
🔹To begin making this tasty buffalo chicken, you’ll first dip a chicken breast into a shallow dish filled with buffalo sauce. This helps the breading stick and adds that first layer of flavor!
🔹Next, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture that’s been seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, making sure to fully coat all sides of the chicken. Give it a gentle press to help the breadcrumbs stick well!
🔹Arrange your coated chicken in an even layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. If needed, cook in batches for the crispiest results!
🔹Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F.
🔹Brush or drizzle the warm buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken for that extra punch of flavor! Let the chicken rest for about 3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
🔹Dips & Dressings: This buffalo chicken is perfect for dipping! Try it with cool blue cheese dressing or homemade ranch dressing to balance that spicy kick!
🔹Veggie Sides: Balance out the meal with some veggies! Try making some quick air fryer vegetables or some crispy air fryer french fries. The cool crunch of celery and carrot sticks is also a classic pairing with buffalo chicken!
🔹Salads: Turn this into a complete meal by adding slices of buffalo chicken to your favorite salad! It’s especially delicious on a buffalo chicken salad with mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing. Or keep it simple with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast!
🔹Wraps & Sandwiches: Slice this buffalo chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch for a quick buffalo chicken wrap! Or make an amazing buffalo chicken sandwich by putting it on a toasted bun with some lettuce and blue cheese spread!
🔹Potatoes: Serve alongside some air fryer potato wedges or a simple baked potato for a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Recipe Variations
🔹Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of breasts for a fun finger-food version! They’ll cook faster (about 8-10 minutes) and are perfect for dipping.
🔹Extra Crispy Buffalo Chicken: Double-dip your chicken by repeating the buffalo sauce and breadcrumb steps twice. This creates an extra thick, super crispy coating!
🔹Spicy Level Options: Adjust the heat to your liking! Use mild buffalo sauce for a family-friendly meal, or mix in some extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumbs for those who like it fiery!
🔹Buffalo Ranch Chicken: Combine two favorites by adding a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to your breadcrumb mixture!
🔹Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and an extra 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture for a savory twist on the classic.
🔹Buffalo Chicken Bites: Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks before breading and cooking. Reduce the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes for perfect party appetizers!
🔹Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know when my buffalo chicken is done cooking?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer! Your chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be white throughout with no pink.
Q2: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
We recommend thawing your chicken first for the best results. Frozen chicken won’t hold the breading well, and the cooking time would need to be significantly increased.
Q3: How do I store leftover buffalo chicken?
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The breading won’t stay as crispy, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q4: How do I reheat buffalo chicken to keep it crispy?
The air fryer is perfect for reheating too! Just pop your leftover chicken back in at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Q5: Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?
Absolutely! Use a mild buffalo sauce or mix regular buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter to tone down the heat. You can also serve extra sauce on the side so everyone can adjust to their preference.
Q6: My breading falls off during cooking. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure to really press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken after dipping in the buffalo sauce. Also, spray your air fryer basket well, and don’t flip the chicken until it’s had time to crisp up on the first side (about 5-6 minutes).
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce, divided (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, pour 1/2 cup of the buffalo sauce.
- In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they're very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for more even cooking.
- Dip each chicken breast into the buffalo sauce, coating both sides.
- Then press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In a small bowl, warm the remaining 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce.
- Brush or drizzle the warm buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken breasts right before serving.
Notes
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