Description
Crispy Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets offer a delicious and healthier twist on classic buffalo chicken bites. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in a crunchy panko and flour dredge, then air fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce with a hint of honey, these nuggets make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Nuggets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs together. This will create the crispy coating for the chicken nuggets.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Nuggets: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the nuggets are cooking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a bowl until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over, and toss until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crispy and flavorful experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the nuggets by dipping them back into the marinade and then in the breadcrumb mixture again before air frying.
- These nuggets pair great with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dip on the side.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or serve the buffalo sauce separately instead of tossing the nuggets.
