Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets made with tender chicken breast coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and crunchy panko crumbs. Ready in just 21 minutes, these nuggets are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer, served with classic celery, carrot sticks, and blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 breasts)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (use ground cayenne for extra heat)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Coating
- 3/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
- Olive oil spray
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Frank's Hot Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
Optional for Serving
- Celery stalks and carrot sticks
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized chunks. Season them evenly with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Set Up Coatings: Pour the seasoned panko breadcrumbs into a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, pour the hot sauce to use for dipping the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, dip several pieces of chicken at a time into the hot sauce, ensuring they are well coated, then dredge them thoroughly in the panko crumbs. Place each coated piece in a single layer on the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Nuggets: Generously spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil on top. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking (about 4 minutes), and spray the other side with olive oil after flipping to promote crispiness.
- Serve: Once cooked until golden and crispy, serve immediately with celery and carrot sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing, if desired, for a classic buffalo wing experience.
Notes
- For extra spicy nuggets, substitute chili powder with ground cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the nuggets to cook evenly and stay crispy.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or breadcrumb alternatives.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer for best crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
