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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites - Crispy, Spicy, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional, to balance heat)
  • Cooking spray (high heat, like avocado oil spray)
  • For serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped chives or parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready. A preheated basket helps the bites crisp faster.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry surfaces crisp better and help seasoning stick.
  3. Season: In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Mix until evenly coated.
  4. Lightly grease the basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Arrange the bites: Place chicken in a single layer, leaving a little space between pieces. Work in batches if needed. Do not overcrowd; airflow is key to crisping.
  6. Air fry (first side): Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 6 minutes.
  7. Shake or flip: Shake the basket or flip the pieces. This helps all sides brown evenly.
  8. Air fry (second side): Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until edges are browned and centers are cooked through. Internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C).
  9. Make the sauce: In a clean bowl, stir together buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey if using. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
  10. Toss and serve: Add hot chicken bites to the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately with celery, carrots, and your favorite dip.