Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these crispy and spicy air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets! They’re the perfect answer to your craving for something flavorful and fun. Honestly, there’s something magical about how the air fryer makes these nuggets so delightfully crunchy on the outside while keeping that juicy chicken goodness on the inside. Plus, they’re coated in that zesty buffalo sauce that gives you just the right kick! Whether you’re looking for a game day snack, a fun appetizer, or just something to munch on while binge-watching your favorite show, these nuggets are an absolute must-try. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be hooked on this simple, yet incredibly satisfying recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your chicken nuggets start cooking right away, giving you that perfect crispy exterior. Trust me, nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a nugget that’s golden brown and crunchy! So, while your air fryer is heating up, you can get everything else ready.
Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use a whisk to make sure everything is evenly blended. This mixture is going to give your chicken nuggets that fantastic flavor, so don’t skip this step! Once it’s all combined, set it aside and get ready for the fun part.
Coat the Chicken Pieces
Now, let’s get those chicken pieces coated! Start by dipping each piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s nicely coated. Then, move it to the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. Wow! That’s the magic trifecta right there! Make sure each nugget has an even coating, so they fry up perfectly crispy.
Air Fry the Nuggets
Once your chicken is all coated and ready to go, place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key for even cooking, so don’t overcrowd them. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray—this helps them crisp up even more! Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get that gorgeous golden color on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy and the chicken is cooked through!
Toss in Buffalo Sauce
After air frying, carefully remove the nuggets and place them in a large bowl. Now, here comes the fun part! Drizzle your buffalo sauce over the nuggets and toss them gently to coat every single piece. You can adjust the amount of sauce depending on how spicy you like things! Serve them up with some creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some pro tips to make your air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets absolutely perfect! First off, if you like a little more heat, don’t be shy with the buffalo sauce—add a splash more if you dare! You can even mix in a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick. Trust me, it’s all about finding that balance that makes your taste buds dance!
Next, for those extra crispy nuggets, consider double coating them. After the first round of breadcrumbs, dip them back in the egg and then give them another roll in the breadcrumbs. Oh wow, that’s the secret to crunch heaven! And remember, letting the coated nuggets sit for a few minutes before cooking can help the coating stick better during the air frying process.
Lastly, don’t forget to experiment with different dipping sauces! While ranch and blue cheese are classics, a tangy honey mustard or a spicy sriracha mayo can really elevate these nuggets. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dive into these delicious air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets! The nutritional information provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not set in stone. However, for your reference, here are the estimated nutritional values for a serving size of 4 nuggets:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep this in mind as you whip up your batch, and feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make these buffalo chicken nuggets gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are some fantastic options out there that taste just as good, so you won’t miss a beat! Just make sure to double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
What can I serve with air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets?
These nuggets are super versatile! I love serving them with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks for that crunch, paired with some creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you want to elevate the experience, consider whipping up some homemade coleslaw for a refreshing side or even a hearty side salad. Oh, and don’t forget about some crispy fries or sweet potato fries—perfect for dipping in that buffalo sauce!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the nuggets cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Just make sure to check they’re heated through before diving back in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: These air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets come together in just 27 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute snack or meal.
- Easy: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner cooks will feel like pros in the kitchen!
- Flavorful: The zesty buffalo sauce combined with the crispy coating gives these nuggets an explosion of flavor that’ll leave you wanting more.
- Gluten-Free: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy these delicious bites without worry.
- Perfect for Appetizers or Game Day: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these nuggets are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Equipment List
- Air Fryer: This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s big enough to hold your nuggets in a single layer for that perfect crispiness.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium-sized bowls for mixing your flour coating and for the beaten eggs.
- Whisk: A whisk is great for blending the flour and spices together smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so have these handy to get everything just right.
- Cooking Spray: A light spray helps achieve that crispy finish—don’t skip it!
- Tongs or Fork: These are perfect for flipping the nuggets and tossing them in the buffalo sauce without getting too messy.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: 5 Comforting Bites to Love
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and spicy air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and toss in buffalo sauce before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- For extra crunch, double coat the nuggets with breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 nuggets
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets