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To make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites, gather these items: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons melted butter - Optional: celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving You can add some fun extras to enhance your dish: - Blue cheese dressing for dipping - Fresh parsley for garnish - Extra hot sauce if you like more heat If you’re missing an ingredient, here are some swaps: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. - Substitute almond flour for gluten-free needs. - Use egg whites instead of whole eggs if you want less fat. - Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a different flavor. These choices keep your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites tasty and fun! First, you need one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut these into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until every piece of chicken is coated. This step adds flavor and helps the breading stick. Next, set up your breading station. Take two bowls. In one bowl, beat two large eggs. In the other bowl, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko for extra crunch. This setup makes it easy to coat the chicken evenly. The egg will help the breadcrumbs stick well. Now, let’s air fry those chicken bites. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange half of the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway for even cooking. The chicken should turn golden and be fully cooked. Once done, take them out and place them in a bowl. Combine with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until all pieces are coated. Repeat with the remaining chicken bites. Enjoy these tasty morsels hot! To keep your chicken bites juicy, start with fresh chicken breasts. Cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use a mix of flour and seasonings. This step adds flavor and moisture. Toss the chicken well to coat every piece. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying. This allows the coating to stick better. For the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy, which gives great texture. After dipping the chicken in egg, press the breadcrumbs on firmly. This helps them stick. Air fry at 400°F to get a crispy outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get crispy. You can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time. Simply coat and bread them, then refrigerate. This keeps them fresh for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, air fry straight from the fridge. No need to thaw! You can also freeze the breaded chicken. Just make sure to separate each piece with parchment paper. When you want to eat, cook them directly from frozen. Adjust the time by a few minutes for best results. {{image_2}} You can choose between spicy and mild buffalo sauces. If you love heat, go for a spicy sauce. You can find many brands that pack a punch. If you prefer a milder taste, look for sauces labeled "mild." You can also mix sauces to create your perfect blend. This way, you can control the spice level. Experimenting with different sauces will keep your meal exciting. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, try crushed cornflakes or ground nuts. Both add unique flavors and textures. Cornflakes give a sweet crunch, while nuts provide a rich taste. You can also use a gluten-free flour mix if you need a gluten-free option. This way, you can enjoy the crunch without the gluten. Each breading option will give you a different bite. While ranch dressing is a classic, you can try other dips. Blue cheese dressing pairs well with buffalo flavors. You might also enjoy a yogurt-based dip for a lighter option. For a twist, serve with a honey mustard sauce. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks and cucumber slices make great sides. They add a nice crunch and freshness to your meal. Once your buffalo chicken bites cool, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. If you decide to freeze your buffalo chicken bites, use a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the texture nice when you warm them up. The best air fryer for chicken bites has a good size and power. I recommend one with at least 3.5 quarts of space. This size allows enough room for even cooking. Look for air fryers with adjustable heat settings. A model with 1500 watts or more cooks food quickly and evenly. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, like you would with breasts. The cooking time might be similar, but check for doneness to ensure they are fully cooked. To make these bites healthier, consider these options: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. - Use egg whites instead of whole eggs for breading. - Swap panko for a lighter option like crushed oats. - Air fry with less oil or butter to cut calories. These changes keep the flavor while making your bites healthier. Cooking times vary with temperature: - At 350°F (175°C), cook for about 12-14 minutes. - At 375°F (190°C), cook for 10-12 minutes. - At 400°F (200°C), stick to 10-12 minutes. Always shake the basket halfway for even cooking. Ensure chicken bites reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. In this post, we covered how to make tasty air-fried chicken bites. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for great flavor. I shared ways to vary the recipe and how to store leftovers. You now have all the knowledge to prepare juicy, crunchy bites that please everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share your tasty results!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

Bring the heat to your dining table with these Zesty Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites! These delicious, crispy bites are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Just coat chicken pieces in a scrumptious buffalo sauce and air fry for a quick treat that everyone will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, these bites are great as a snack or an appetizer. Click through to explore the full recipe and make these spicy delights today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional: celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

    Set Up Breading Station: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place breaded chicken bites on a plate.

        Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange half of the chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until golden and cooked through.

          Coat in Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken bites with buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

            Repeat Cooking: Repeat the air frying process with the remaining chicken bites.

              Serve: Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

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