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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets recipe delivers crispy, spicy chicken bites with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and tossed in classic buffalo hot sauce, these nuggets are air-fried to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings. Served with crunchy celery and carrot sticks alongside creamy blue cheese dressing, this appetizer is perfect for game day or a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 2 breasts)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (use ground cayenne for extra heat)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Coating and Sauce

  • 3/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
  • Olive oil spray
  • 3 tablespoons Frank's Hot Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)

Serving

  • Celery stalks and carrot sticks, for serving
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks. Evenly season the pieces with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper to develop a flavorful base.
  2. Set Up Coatings: Pour the seasoned panko breadcrumbs into a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, pour the hot sauce to use for dipping the chicken pieces.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, dip several pieces of chicken at a time into the hot sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Then dredge them thoroughly in the panko crumbs. Arrange each coated piece in a single layer on the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
  4. Air Fry the Nuggets: Generously spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil on top. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking (about 4 minutes). After flipping, spray the other side with olive oil to promote crispiness.
  5. Serve: Once cooked until golden and crispy, serve immediately with celery and carrot sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wing experience.

Notes

  • Cutting chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking.
  • Spraying with olive oil before air frying helps achieve a crispy crust without deep frying.
  • Adjust the chili powder or cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs.
  • Serve fresh for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/air-fryer-buffalo-chicken-nuggets-recipe/