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
Scale
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.
