Air Fried Buffalo Chicken: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

Air Fried Buffalo Chicken: Craving the zesty, spicy kick of buffalo chicken wings but trying to avoid the deep fryer? You’re in the right place! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy chicken, coated in that classic tangy buffalo sauce, all without the guilt. It’s not just a dream; it’s entirely achievable with your air fryer!

Buffalo chicken, a beloved American classic, traces its roots back to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. Legend has it that Teressa Bellissimo whipped up the first batch of buffalo wings using leftover chicken wings, hot sauce, and butter. Little did she know, she was creating a culinary sensation that would sweep the nation and beyond.

What makes buffalo chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the tangy, spicy sauce awakens your taste buds. It’s an appetizer, a snack, a meal – incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. And now, with this Air Fried Buffalo Chicken recipe, you can enjoy all that deliciousness with significantly less oil. Get ready to experience the ultimate game-day snack or quick weeknight dinner that’s both healthy-ish and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Buffalo Sauce: 1 cup your favorite buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)
• Blue Cheese Dressing: ½ cup, for dipping (or ranch, if you prefer!)
• Celery Sticks: 4-5 stalks, cut into 3-inch sticks, for serving
• For the Marinade:
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (same as buffalo sauce, or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Breading:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking Spray: Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray

Marinating the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to marinate the chicken. This is crucial because it not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy during air frying. Trust me, you don’t want dry buffalo chicken!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This marinade is going to work wonders!
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl. Toss them around until they’re completely coated in the marinade. You want every single piece of chicken to be swimming in that delicious mixture.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. I usually aim for at least an hour, but if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

Preparing the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the breading ready. This is where we’ll build up that crispy, flavorful crust that makes air-fried buffalo chicken so irresistible. Don’t skimp on the spices – they’re what make this breading truly special!

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a pie plate or a wide bowl), combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly. Make sure there are no clumps of flour or spices. You want a nice, even mixture so that each piece of chicken gets coated evenly.

Breading the Chicken

Now comes the fun part – breading the chicken! This can get a little messy, so I recommend having a designated “wet hand” and a “dry hand” to avoid getting your fingers completely coated in breading. It makes the process much smoother.

1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Let any excess marinade drip off. You don’t want the breading to get too soggy.
2. One at a time, take a piece of chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s completely coated on all sides. Press the chicken into the flour to help the breading adhere.
3. Shake off any excess flour. You want a nice, even coating, but you don’t want it to be too thick.
4. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process with all the remaining chicken pieces.

Air Frying the Chicken

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to fire up the air fryer. Air frying is the key to getting that crispy, golden-brown texture without all the oil of traditional deep frying. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the chicken won’t cook evenly.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure it gets nice and crispy.
3. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of frying it, and you won’t get that crispy texture we’re after.
4. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray. This will help the breading brown evenly.
5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray the other side with cooking spray.
6. Continue air frying for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
7. Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack. This will help keep the chicken crispy.
8. Repeat the process with any remaining chicken.

Tossing in Buffalo Sauce

Now for the grand finale – tossing the crispy chicken in that glorious buffalo sauce! This is where the magic happens, and the chicken transforms into the spicy, tangy, irresistible treat we’ve been waiting for.

1. In a large bowl, pour in your favorite buffalo wing sauce. I highly recommend Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce – it’s a classic for a reason!
2. Add the air-fried chicken to the bowl. Toss the chicken gently but thoroughly until it’s completely coated in the buffalo sauce. Make sure every piece is glistening with that spicy goodness.

Serving

And that’s it! Your air-fried buffalo chicken is ready to be devoured. Serve it immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. Don’t forget the blue cheese dressing and celery sticks – they’re the perfect accompaniments to cool down the heat and add a refreshing crunch.

1. Serve the buffalo chicken hot with blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing, if you prefer) and celery sticks.
2. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading to control the heat level. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the buffalo sauce as well.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken after tossing it in the buffalo sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. Follow the same marinating and breading instructions.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover buffalo chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. This will help keep it crispy.

Conclusion:

This Air Fried Buffalo Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers all the fiery, tangy, and satisfying flavors of classic buffalo chicken wings, but with significantly less oil and hassle. We’re talking crispy, juicy chicken without the deep-frying guilt! It’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or whenever you’re craving that irresistible buffalo kick.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Don’t limit yourself to just enjoying these beauties straight from the air fryer. Think of them as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Buffalo Chicken Salad: Chop up the air-fried chicken and toss it with crisp lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, diced celery, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner option.
* Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Wrap the chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. A quick and easy meal on the go!
* Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Serve the chicken on mini slider buns with a smear of blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of celery seeds. Perfect for parties and appetizers.
* Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and the air-fried buffalo chicken. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with sour cream and green onions. A crowd-pleasing favorite!
* Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use the air-fried chicken as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. Combine it with mozzarella cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for an unforgettable pizza experience.
* Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder brand. For those who like it extra hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture or use a spicier buffalo sauce.
* Dipping Sauces: While ranch and blue cheese are classic pairings, don’t be afraid to experiment with other dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy avocado dip.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The ease of preparation, the incredible flavor, and the healthier cooking method make it a winner in my book.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of Air Fried Buffalo Chicken. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy cooking!