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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are spicy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. These bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in panko, air-fried until golden, and tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce—perfect for game day, snacking, or a flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and healthier: All the crunch of fried nuggets with way less oil.
  • Bold Buffalo flavor: Spicy, tangy, and buttery sauce coats each nugget perfectly.
  • Easy and quick: Ready in under 25 minutes from prep to plate.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Panko breadcrumbs or cornstarch
  • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
  • Buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • Butter, melted
  • Optional: cayenne pepper, ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks

directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat each piece with panko or cornstarch.
  4. Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook another 4–6 minutes until golden and 165°F inside.
  5. Mix Buffalo sauce with melted butter. Toss cooked nuggets in the sauce.
  6. (Optional) Return to the air fryer for 2 minutes to set the sauce. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 12–16 minutes
  • Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

  • Extra spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the Buffalo mix.
  • No breading: Air-fry seasoned chicken and toss in sauce for a lighter option.
  • Cheesy version: Add grated Parmesan to the panko.
  • Thigh meat: Use boneless thighs for a juicier nugget.

storage/reheating

  • Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp again.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked nuggets and reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

FAQs

Are these very spicy?

They have a medium kick. Adjust the spice by choosing a mild or hot Buffalo sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely before cooking for even results.

What dipping sauces go well?

Classic ranch or blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra Buffalo sauce.

Can I cook them in batches?

Yes—avoid overcrowding the air fryer to keep them crispy.

Can I use a different coating?

Yes, use crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or gluten-free panko for variations.

Do I have to use butter in the sauce?

Butter gives the classic Buffalo flavor, but you can skip or use ghee or vegan butter.

Can kids eat these?

Yes, if you use a mild sauce or mix Buffalo sauce with more butter or honey.

What sides pair well?

Try fries, salad, celery sticks, or mac and cheese.

Can I meal prep with these?

Definitely—cook ahead and store or freeze for easy meals.

Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely—swap Buffalo sauce for BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic Parmesan.

Conclusion

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

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10–12 mins
  • Total Time: 20–22 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings (4–5 nuggets per person) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

Spicy, crispy buffalo-style chicken nuggets made easy and healthier in the air fryer—perfect for game day snacks or a fun dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C).
  2. Set up breading stations: flour in one bowl; beaten eggs in a second; mix panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt & pepper in a third.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece: flour → egg → panko mixture, pressing crumbs to adhere well.
  4. Place breaded nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Air fry at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165 °F/74 °C).
  6. Remove nuggets and toss gently in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Return coated nuggets to air fryer and cook 1–2 minutes more to set the sauce.
  8. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and panko.
  • Use store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce—add honey to tone down heat.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, swap flour and breadcrumbs with GF versions.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for best air circulation.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4–5 nuggets
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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