Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken made with tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy panko breading and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce for the perfect appetizer or main course.
Author:Kate
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:11 minutes
Total Time:31 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breading
Sauce
1 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Coating Stations: Set out three bowls: in the first, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt; in the second, place beaten eggs; and in the third, add the panko breading for dredging.
Coat Chicken Pieces: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat evenly with the panko breading to ensure a crispy crust.
Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating doneness.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over it, and gently toss to coat all pieces thoroughly.
Optional Extra Crispiness: For a crispier texture, place the coated chicken back in the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Substitute buffalo sauce with your favorite wing sauce or hot sauce for variation.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly as a cooling dip with the spicy chicken.
To make this recipe gluten free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.