Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons melted butter The core of this recipe is the chicken. I love using boneless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and are easy to handle. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for dipping. Next is the buttermilk. It keeps the chicken moist. The buttermilk also helps the flavors stick. Marinate the chicken in it for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for great taste. For the coating, we use all-purpose flour. Mixing it with spices adds depth. I use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the cayenne for your spice level. Finally, we have the sauce. Buffalo sauce adds that classic kick. Mixing it with melted butter balances the heat. This combo makes the chicken bites truly special. Make sure you have all these ingredients ready. They create the perfect flavor and texture for your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites. First, take the chicken pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk. Make sure all pieces are coated. This step is key. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the meat become tender and soak up flavor. Get another bowl for the coating. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir this mixture well. This blend adds a great taste to the chicken bites. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket. Lay them in a single layer. Avoid overlapping to get even crispiness. You might need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. This helps make them extra crispy. Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through so they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. While they cook, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Once the chicken bites are ready, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece. Then, return the coated bites to the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes. This final step helps set the sauce and adds a nice finish. To get the best crunch from your chicken, I recommend using cooking spray. It helps create a crispy texture that is hard to resist. Spray the chicken lightly before cooking. This little step makes a big difference in the final outcome. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key for flavor and tenderness. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the buttermilk and spices. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours enhances the flavor even more. When cooking in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Place the chicken bites in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches. It might take longer, but the results will be worth it. {{image_2}} You can make these buffalo chicken bites even spicier. Just add more cayenne pepper. Start with an extra half teaspoon. Taste the mixture before cooking. Adjust it according to your heat level. This gives you control over your spice. You can also try other hot sauces for a twist. If you want a healthier option, use whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also try almond flour or oat flour. These flours change the taste but still work well. They keep the bites light and crispy. Feel free to get creative with flavors. You can mix in different spices like cumin or smoked paprika. Try adding garlic or onion powder for extra zest. You can also use barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce. Each option brings a different taste to your bites. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites! After making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites, you may have some leftovers. To store them correctly, place the bites in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Use a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover buffalo chicken bites, reheating them can be tricky. To keep them crispy, use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help restore their crunch. If you prefer the oven, place them on a baking sheet and heat at the same temperature. The shelf life of your buffalo chicken bites depends on how you store them. In the fridge, they are safe to eat for three days. If frozen, they remain safe for three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to throw them away. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, it is best to thaw it first. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the buttermilk better. If you don’t thaw, the chicken may cook unevenly and stay tough. To make these buffalo chicken bites less spicy, reduce the cayenne pepper. You can start with just a pinch. Another option is to mix in more buttermilk to the buffalo sauce. This will cool down the heat. You can also serve with a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spice. Buffalo chicken bites taste great with several dipping sauces. Here are some tasty options: - Ranch dressing - Blue cheese dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Garlic aioli These sauces add flavors that complement the spicy and tangy buffalo sauce. You now have a clear guide to make delicious buffalo chicken bites. We covered all the key ingredients, from chicken to sauces, and I shared step-by-step cooking instructions. Remember to marinate well and season to taste for the best results. Don't forget to explore variations for unique flavors, and follow my tips for crispy texture. With these insights, you can enjoy tasty, homemade buffalo chicken bites anytime. Happy cooking!$

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites! Juicy, tender chicken coated in a flavorful, crispy crust and tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce make for the perfect appetizer or game-day treat. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these bites will be a hit at your next gathering. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family today!

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.

In another bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to do this in batches.

Spray the chicken bites lightly with cooking spray for an extra crispy texture. Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.

While the chicken bites are cooking, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites into the bowl with the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly in the buffalo sauce.

Return the coated bites to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the sauce.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the buffalo chicken bites in a basket lined with parchment paper. Garnish with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.