I have a confession—I’m a sucker for anything crispy, spicy, and smothered in Buffalo sauce! The first time I made Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites, I was just experimenting, trying to curb my wing cravings without the deep-frying mess. One bite later, and I knew I had struck gold!
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are now a staple in my kitchen for game days, quick dinners, and even those late-night cravings. Juicy chicken, a crunchy coating, and the classic kick of Buffalo sauce make this recipe a must-try for wing lovers who want all the flavor without the mess.
Plus, they cook up in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand! Love that, right?!!
Prefer pasta? Then serve this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake!
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
- Deb's tip for the crispiest chicken bites
- Creative variations to try
- Storage
- Related recipes
- What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
Why you'll love this recipe
They are quick and easy and bake to crispy perfection! This family-friendly bites is a snack even your pickiest eaters love! Customize the heat level to make it mild or fiery, depending on your preference!
These tasty bites come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements and all the ingredients, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs.
- Buffalo sauce, Frank's RedHot Sauce is my favorite.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Dice the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Toss the bites with olive oil.
- Season well and coat with cornstarch.
- Cook in the air fryer as directed.
- Sauce them up and return to the airfryer for an additional 3 minutes.
Essential tools for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Absolutely! Cook the bites, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up.
If your chicken bites are soggy, they may have too much moisture. Pat the chicken dry before coating and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
es, but cornstarch helps create a crispy coating. You can substitute flour or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Deb's tip for the crispiest chicken bites
🔥 Cut Evenly: Keep the chicken pieces the same size so they cook evenly.
- 🔥 Single Layer Only: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- 🔥 Flip for Even Cooking: Turn the bites halfway through for that all-over golden brown crisp.
- 🔥 Adjust the Heat: If you like a milder bite, add a little melted butter to the Buffalo sauce.
- 🔥 No Air Fryer? No Problem! Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Creative variations to try
- Extra Crunch? Add a handful of panko breadcrumbs or crushed bread crumbs to the cornstarch mixture.
- Different Sauces? Try honey garlic, BBQ, or teriyaki for a new twist.
- Prefer Thighs? Swap out chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness. Adjust cook time slightly.
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders? Use chicken tenderloins instead for a bigger bite.
Storage
Refrigerate - Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze - For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat - Put back into the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes or until the desired warmth.
Freezer - Individual cooked chicken bites can be frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet and then transferred to an airtight container once frozen. To reheat, place in the air fryer for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Related recipes
- The next time you need new recipes to add some variety to your meal plan be sure to check out these Easy Chicken Casserole recipes, they are tasty, family friendly, and there is something there for everyone!
- Are you looking for a new delicious recipe that is filled with tangy buffalo flavor but also family-friendly and easy to make? Look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Casserole it's hearty comforting and great for busy nights.
- The Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is perfect if enjoy super flavorful chicken. This recipe is the best and it's so easy!
- This Chicken and Potato Bake is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with hearty flavors that the whole family will rave about after the first bite.
Don't shy away from using your air fryer. Check out these Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners!
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, cilantro garlic sauce, or a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce.
- Sides: Try them with smashed potatoes or a simple green salad.
- Game Day Spread: Serve with Hot Sloppy Joe Dip and Blue Cheese Dip for the ultimate party combo.
🔥 Did You Make This Recipe? If so, let me know in the comments! Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¾ cups Hot sauce I used RedHot
- ¼ cup chicken broth optional
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat off the chicken. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-size (1.5 to 2 inches cubes).
- Place chicken cubes in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour olive oil over chicken and mix to coat.
- Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, and smoked paprika on the chicken. Mix the chicken again until well coated.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch and mix to coat the chicken bites.
- Place in the air fryer and cook on a Manual setting at 390 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Flip the chicken bites and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken's internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F
- Once the chicken is all cooked you have a few options.
- Mix the RedHot sauce with the chicken broth. (If you prefer spicy, toss it directly in the RedHot Sauce.)
- Mix the cooked chicken with the sauce.
- Place the coated chicken back in the air fryer and cook chicken bites for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Camden says
I can't wait to eat these air fryer chicken buffalo bites with a giant side of ranch! I may end up making them as a snack tomorrow I'm so excited for them.
Debra Clark says
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip, I can go either way!
Debbie says
These air fryer chicken buffalo bites are to-die-for! Thank you for this easy and tasty recipe.
Debra Clark says
You're so welcome Debbie, I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Alyssa says
These buffalo chicken bites will be perfect for super bowl Sunday! I have made regular wings in the air fryer but I can't believe I've never thought of making buffalo bites!
Debra Clark says
Yum, yum, yum, perfecting for the big game!
Debra Clark says
Enjoy! Who are you rooting for Alyssa?
Brittany says
I hope your Buffalo chicken bites recipe is as delicious as it looks! If so, it will save my family a lot of money from eating out. Thanks for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
You're welcome Brittany, enjoy the recipe!
Kristen says
I know what I'm making for Super Bowl Sunday! I am actually thinking of whipping up a batch of these buffalo chicken bites for my daughter, and a batch of your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower for me (since I am a vegetarian!)...
Bowl Me Over says
Perfect! Mama and daughter will both be happy! Now... if we can just get Green Bay to the big game! 😁
Lois says
Buffalo chicken bits are so good they will be great while watching you favorite sports on TV. Great to share with your friends while watching games Always so fun.