If you love that perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and juicy, you absolutely have to try this Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe. It’s an irresistible twist on a classic favorite, delivering crunchy panko-coated nuggets tossed in a rich and tangy buffalo sauce. These nuggets come together quickly with simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, making them a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you taste that zesty buffalo flavor infused in each bite, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe are straightforward but essential in crafting those deliciously crispy nuggets bursting with flavor. Each item plays a vital role, from the seasoning that layers perfect spice, to the panko that gives that unbeatable crunch, to the buttery hot sauce that coats every piece with classic buffalo goodness.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into nugget-sized pieces for easy cooking and dipping.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the seasoning stick and creates a light base layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory depth to the coating.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb crust.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that signature crispy and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness to the crust.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended): Brings the bold, tangy, and spicy buffalo flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Smooths out the heat and adds richness to the sauce.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the nuggets turn perfectly golden and crisp without excess oil.
How to Make Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F to get it nice and hot for crisp cooking. While it heats, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour mixture is key to flavoring the nuggets from the inside out and creating a light crust that will hold the other layers.
Step 2: Set Up Egg and Breadcrumb Coating Stations
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl — this will be your sticky layer for binding. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika. The paprika is a subtle but crucial addition that enhances the color and adds a gentle smoky aroma, making each nugget unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Nuggets
One by one, dredge each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko and paprika blend. Press lightly to make sure the coating adheres well, which is what will give you that perfect crunch after air frying.
Step 4: Air Fry the Nuggets
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the nuggets from sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding them — this helps the hot air circulate and crisp up the coating evenly. Give the nuggets a light spray on top, too. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they brown beautifully on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the nuggets are cooking, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter. Once your nuggets are golden and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and toss immediately in the buffalo sauce. This final step ensures every bite is loaded with that irresistible buffalo tang and buttery richness — the hallmark of this Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe.
How to Serve Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Celery sticks are a classic and refreshing choice to serve alongside these nuggets. Their crispness and coolness cool down the heat perfectly. Pairing the nuggets with a generous drizzle or side of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds creamy, comforting contrast that makes each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
These nuggets crave sides that complement their bold flavor and crunchy texture. Think crunchy carrot sticks, a fresh garden salad, or even waffle fries for a backyard party vibe. For a lighter touch, a simple cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these nuggets as part of a loaded platter with sliced avocado, pickles, and fresh herbs lets everyone customize their experience. Or pop them onto slider buns with a dollop of blue cheese sauce for a fun, handheld meal. For game day, line a tray with parchment paper, arrange nuggets in neat rows, and watch them disappear within minutes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (although these usually don’t last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating in the air fryer helps restore their crispy coating best.
Freezing
These nuggets freeze wonderfully, which is perfect for meal prep or snacking anytime. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to be air fried straight from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat the nuggets in your air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back their crispy exterior without drying them out, preserving that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste of your Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, which can add more flavor. Just cut them into equal nugget-sized pieces and cook them just as you would the chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time if needed.
How can I make these nuggets less spicy?
To tame the heat, either reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce or swap it with a milder wing sauce. You can also add more melted butter to mellow out the spice and keep that buffalo flavor balanced.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just ensure all other ingredients, like hot sauce, are gluten-free as well to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
What can I use instead of an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these nuggets in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may lose a bit of that extra crispiness, but they will still taste delicious.
Can I double coat the nuggets for extra crispiness?
Definitely! For an ultra-crispy bite, dip the nuggets again in the egg and panko mixture after the first coating. This double coating locks in even more crunch and a golden exterior once air fried.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving crispy, spicy bites that are quick to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner, game day, or a casual snack, these nuggets never disappoint. Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken bites cooked conveniently in an air fryer. Coated in a flavorful panko and spice mixture, then tossed in a classic buffalo sauce, they make a delicious main course ideal for quick weeknight dinners or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and smoked paprika.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko and paprika mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding and spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with cooking spray to ensure crispiness.
- Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the nuggets for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Nuggets are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the nuggets cook, stir together the hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Toss Nuggets in Sauce: Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken nuggets hot with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken nuggets by dipping them again in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to retain crispiness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
