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- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil for spraying I love using fresh chicken breast for this recipe. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. They turn golden and crispy in the air fryer. Flour helps the coating stick well. You need to mix the flour with spices. Garlic powder and onion powder add flavor. Smoked paprika brings a nice depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. For the sauce, I use buffalo sauce. It has the perfect kick! You can adjust the heat to your taste. If you like it mild, use less sauce. If you want it spicy, go for more. The olive oil is key for a golden finish. A light spray makes a big difference. Gather all these ingredients first. It makes the cooking process smooth and easy. When you have everything ready, you’ll be set to make these tasty bites! 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the chicken bites a nice crunch. 2. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds great flavor. 3. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs until frothy. This helps the coating stick better. 4. Place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs on a plate. This will give the chicken a crispy texture. 1. Take a piece of chicken and dip it in the flour mix. Make sure to coat it well. 2. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip it in the egg, letting any excess drip off. 3. Roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure it is fully coated for maximum crunch. 4. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. 1. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. 2. Lightly spray the chicken bites with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. 3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Flip the bites halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. 4. Once golden brown and cooked inside, transfer the bites to a bowl. 5. Pour 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss gently. This adds a spicy kick! 6. For extra crunch, return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes. To get that perfect crunch in your buffalo chicken bites, focus on the egg coating. The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken. This ensures each bite remains crispy. After coating, spray with olive oil. This step adds a nice golden brown color and extra crunch during cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer can ruin the crispiness of your bites. Cook in batches if needed. Keep space between the chicken pieces. This allows hot air to circulate freely, making every bite crunchy. Buffalo sauce can be spicy. If you want less heat, modify it. Mix the sauce with a bit of butter or ranch dressing. This will cool it down while keeping the flavor. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate. {{image_4}} You can switch up the taste of your buffalo chicken bites easily. Try using different sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for a sweet twist. These sauces give a whole new flavor that is just as tasty. You can also use different seasonings. Cajun adds a spicy kick, while lemon pepper brings a fresh zing. Both can make your bites stand out. If you want to change the protein, shrimp or tofu work great. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Remember, cooking times will change. Shrimp takes about 6-8 minutes, while tofu may need a few extra minutes to get crispy. Just watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Pairing is key to a great meal. Serve your buffalo chicken bites with dips like ranch or blue cheese. The creamy dips balance the heat from the buffalo sauce. They also add extra flavor, making each bite even better. For side dishes, consider crunchy celery sticks or a fresh salad. These sides add freshness and crunch, making your meal feel complete. To store leftover chicken bites, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can use any container, but a glass one works best. Make sure the bites cool before sealing. Properly stored, they last up to 3 days in the fridge. To keep them crispy, I recommend using the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch and flavor. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked bites. For uncooked bites, bread them first, then freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. For cooked bites, let them cool completely before freezing. Store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the air fryer for about 7-10 minutes. This way, you still get that crispy texture! Air fryer buffalo chicken bites cook in about 10 to 12 minutes. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a crispy finish. After cooking for 6 minutes, I flip the bites for even browning. This method ensures they get golden and cooked all the way through. Yes, you can make these bites gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour. For the breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko. These swaps keep the texture while making the dish safe for those avoiding gluten. The best dipping sauces for buffalo chicken bites are blue cheese and ranch dressing. These creamy dips balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. You can also try a tangy yogurt sauce for a lighter option. Celery sticks are great for crunch and cooling. You can use boneless thighs for more flavor. They have a richer taste than breasts, but the cooking time may change slightly. Thighs usually take about 1-2 minutes longer to cook. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. You now have a complete guide to making delicious air fryer buffalo chicken bites. We covered the essential ingredients, easy steps, and tips for that perfect crunch. I shared variations to keep it exciting and storage tips for leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember that you can adjust the flavors to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with these tasty bites!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Buffalo Bliss Chicken Bites! Perfectly crisp and bursting with spicy goodness, this easy recipe is made in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can whip up this delicious snack in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover how to make these mouthwatering bites and elevate your next game day or gathering!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an irresistible crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust according to your spice tolerance)

2 tablespoons olive oil for spraying

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfect crisp on the chicken bites.

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and evenly distributed.

      In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until they are frothy. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.

        Next, pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate or shallow dish, ready for breading.

          For each chicken piece, start by dipping it into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off before proceeding to the breadcrumbs. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring that it is generously coated on all sides for maximum crunch.

            Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

              Lightly spray the breaded chicken bites with olive oil, which will help them brown beautifully during cooking.

                Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and fully cooked inside.

                  Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken bites to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to ensure all the bites are well coated.

                    To achieve extra crunch with the buffalo sauce, return the coated chicken bites to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the buffalo chicken bites in a large, vibrant bowl, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with crunchy celery sticks and a side of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping to elevate the snacking experience. Enjoy!