Who can resist the allure of crispy, juicy chicken drenched in spicy buffalo sauce? Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture without deep-frying. This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe will become your new go-to for game days, family meals, or anytime you’re craving something spicy and delicious.
Ingredients
This recipe requires simple ingredients likely already in your pantry or easily available at any grocery store. Gather them up and get ready to indulge!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray
Equipments
You won’t need much gear for this recipe, making it perfect for quick and easy preparation:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Drying ensures they get crispy when cooked.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter. This setup will give you a two-step flavor coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the buffalo sauce mixture, coating each piece thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly from the start.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Cook for 15 minutes, turn over halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
Serve this crispy buffalo chicken hot with your favorite side dishes. Consider pairing it with a cool blue cheese or ranch dressing, along with carrot and celery sticks, to counterbalance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken with an additional layer of buffalo sauce after cooking.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce depending on your taste preference.
- Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Pumped-Up Protein: High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Delight
Want an extra protein boost? Swap the regular chicken breasts for chicken breast tenders, which absorb flavor even more and pack in higher protein content per serving. Marinate them longer for more flavor infusion, and enjoy a meal that fuels your muscles and delights your taste buds.
Perfectly Balanced: Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Bites
Looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing taste? Simply replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. You’ll maintain a crispy coating while cutting down on the carbs, keeping your meal healthy and guilt-free. These bites are as satisfying for your body as they are for your taste buds!
Storage Instructions
Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Yes, but you may need to adjust cooking times.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Try adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or serve with extra hot sauce.
- Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) but expect less crispiness.
Wrap Up: Let Your Taste Buds Wing It!
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe is perfect for those who crave the fiery comfort of buffalo wings, minus the guilt. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or just want a solo indulgence, this recipe stands as a testament to why the air fryer is a game-changer. Try it out and don’t forget to share your own twists or tips in the comments below! If you found this recipe delightful, share it with friends and family!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- buffalo sauce
- melted butter
- all-purpose flour
- garlic powder
- paprika
- black pepper
- salt
- cooking spray
Instructions
Steps
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken pieces in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, turning over halfway through.