Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot); Optional for serving: ranch or blue cheese dressing (chopped green onions, celery sticks)

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets deliver a spicy, crispy, and satisfying bite, perfect for game days, snacking, or quick meals. These Spicy Nugget Bites feature tender chicken coated in crunchy panko and tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce, all made healthier with minimal oil in the air fryer. Ready in under 25 minutes, they’re customizable and sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets recipe is a standout Spicy Nugget Bites treat:

Crispy & Healthy: Golden crunch without the grease of deep frying.
Bold Flavor: Tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce packs a punch.
Fast Prep: From prep to plate in 20–25 minutes.
Versatile: Adjust spice or swap coatings to suit your taste.
I served these during a game night, and they were the ultimate Spicy Nugget Bites hit!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Here’s what you’ll need for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets (serves 4):

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs or ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup (120ml) Buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Cut evenly for consistent cooking; pat dry for better coating.
Panko: Adds crunch; cornstarch is a lighter alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose mild or hot based on spice preference.
Butter: Enhances sauce richness; use sparingly for lighter results.
Equipment: Air fryer (4-quart or larger), large bowl, tongs.

Directions for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Let’s create these irresistible Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets!

Preheat Air Fryer

I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Season Chicken

In a large bowl, I toss 1 lb chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until evenly coated.

Coat Nuggets

I coat each chicken piece with 1 cup panko or ½ cup cornstarch, pressing gently to adhere for this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets recipe.

Air Fry

I arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. I air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook 4–6 more minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Toss in Sauce

In a bowl, I mix ½ cup Buffalo sauce with 2 tbsp melted butter and optional ¼ tsp cayenne pepper. I toss the cooked nuggets in the sauce until fully coated. Optionally, I return them to the air fryer for 2 minutes to set the sauce.

Serve

I serve the nuggets hot with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or celery sticks for a classic Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets experience.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Total Time: 22–26 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~240 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 25g protein, 15g fat, 1g fiber

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne or extra hot sauce to the Buffalo mix.
No Breading: Skip panko or cornstarch for a lighter, sauce-only version.
Cheesy Crunch: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the panko.
Thigh Meat: Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier nuggets.
Sauce Swap: Try BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic Parmesan instead of Buffalo.

Storage

I store leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. For freezing, I place cooked nuggets in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Make your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets a star Spicy Nugget Bites dish:

Classic: Serve as Spicy Nugget Bites with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
Garnish: Add chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce.
Pairing: Enjoy with fries, coleslaw, or a cold beer.
Presentation: Arrange on a platter with celery and carrot sticks for game day.
Occasion: Perfect for tailgates, casual dinners, or party appetizers.

FAQs

Have questions about Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets? Here are answers to common queries:

Are these very spicy?
They have a medium kick; use mild Buffalo sauce or add butter for less heat.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely before coating for even cooking.

What dipping sauces go well?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra Buffalo sauce pair perfectly.

Can I cook them in batches?
Yes, avoid overcrowding to ensure crispy results; cook in single layers.

Can I use a different coating?
Try crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or gluten-free panko for variety.

Do I have to use butter in the sauce?
Butter adds classic flavor, but you can use ghee or vegan butter instead.

Can kids eat these?
Use mild sauce or mix with honey for a kid-friendly version.

What sides pair well?
Fries, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad complement the nuggets.

Can I meal prep with these?
Yes, cook ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for quick meals.

Can I use a different sauce?
Swap Buffalo for BBQ, teriyaki, or honey garlic for new flavors.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are everything you love about wings—spicy, saucy, and crispy—packed into convenient little Spicy Nugget Bites. Easy to make, great for sharing, and endlessly customizable, they’re the perfect mix of comfort and crunch.