Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Crispy, spicy, and bursting with bold flavor, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer or protein-packed lunch. Made with lean chicken breast and coated in seasoned panko crumbs and tangy hot sauce, they cook up perfectly in the air fryer—no deep frying needed. Serve them with crisp celery, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 medium breasts)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (or cayenne pepper for extra heat)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup seasoned panko crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- Olive oil spray
- 3 tbsp Frank’s RedHot or your favorite hot sauce
- Optional for serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, and 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing or ranch
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. - Season:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper until evenly coated. - Set up dredging stations:
- Pour the hot sauce into a small bowl.
- Place the seasoned panko crumbs into a separate bowl.
- Coat the nuggets:
Dip each chicken piece into the hot sauce, then roll it in the panko crumbs until fully coated. Repeat with all pieces. - Air fry:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).
Spray the tops generously with olive oil. - Cook:
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with more olive oil. Cook until crispy and golden on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. - Serve:
Transfer to a plate and serve immediately with crunchy celery and carrot sticks. Add a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Even coating: Press the panko crumbs gently into the chicken for maximum crunch.
- Cooking in batches: Avoid overcrowding the basket for best air circulation and crispiness.
- Spice level: Adjust the heat by choosing a milder or hotter sauce to suit your preference.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
- Sodium: 501.5 mg
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 1 g
These buffalo chicken nuggets are a healthier take on a fan-favorite comfort food—crispy, spicy, and satisfying without the grease. Whether you’re making them for game day, a quick dinner, or a party appetizer, they’re always a hit!