Why Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Are a Must-Try
Buffalo chicken and crispy coatings are a match made in food heaven, and this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Here’s why these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are so irresistible:
- Quick and Easy: No need to worry about frying in hot oil; the air fryer gets these nuggets perfectly crispy in just 8-10 minutes. ⏲️
- Healthier: By using the air fryer, you skip the extra oil, so they’re much lighter than traditional fried nuggets.
- Customisable Heat: You control the spice level! Love heat? Go bold with more hot sauce. Prefer something mild? Opt for a tomato sauce version and keep things family-friendly.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Making the perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets is easy, especially with these handy tips and tricks:
1. Panko Crumbs for Superior Crunch
If you’ve never used panko crumbs before, now’s the time to give them a go! Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that’s larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your nuggets that extra crunch. You can grab panko at any supermarket these days, or make your own by toasting bread, removing the crusts, and pulsing it in a food processor.
2. Chicken Thighs for Added Juiciness
While chicken breast is often the go-to for nuggets, chicken thighs can add a whole new level of juiciness. They’re a little richer and more forgiving if you overcook them slightly, so if you’re worried about dry nuggets, thighs might be your new best friend. Trim off any extra fat, and you’re ready to go.
3. Buffalo Sauce Balance
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice level. If you love that intense buffalo heat, use a bold hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco. If you prefer something on the mild side, opt for tomato or BBQ sauce for a tangy but gentle flavour. Make sure every piece of chicken is evenly coated for the best results.
4. Olive Oil Spray is Key
To ensure your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets come out perfectly crispy, don’t forget the olive oil spray! A light mist before and halfway through cooking helps the panko crumbs turn golden brown and crunchy, giving you that deep-fried feel without all the grease.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are versatile enough for any meal or occasion. Here are some fun ways to serve them up:
- With Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing 🥣: Pairing spicy buffalo nuggets with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is a no-brainer. Perfect for dipping or drizzling over the top!
- Loaded on Top of Chips (Fries) 🍟: Go all out and serve your nuggets on a bed of crispy chips for a meal that’s the ultimate comfort food. Spicy nuggets + crunchy chips = pure bliss.
- Buffalo Chicken Nugget Salad 🥗: Lighten up your meal by tossing these nuggets on top of a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a balanced, but flavour-packed, lunch or dinner.
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
To take your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets experience to the next level, pair them with these delicious sides and drinks:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks 🥕: The cool, crisp crunch of celery and carrots is the perfect way to balance out the spicy heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Creamy Coleslaw 🥗: A side of tangy coleslaw adds freshness and a delicious contrast to the rich flavours of the nuggets. Plus, it’s super easy to make in advance!
- Chilled Beer 🍺: Nothing complements the heat of buffalo chicken like a refreshing, cold beer. Whether you’re into light lagers or something with a bit more hop, it’s the perfect match for these nuggets.
Recipe Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets recipe, why not switch things up a bit? Here are a few variations to experiment with:
- BBQ Chicken Nuggets: Swap out the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet alternative that’s still crispy and delicious.
- Parmesan Crusted Nuggets: Add some grated parmesan to your panko mixture for a cheesy, savoury twist that’ll take these nuggets to the next level.
- Spicy Honey Nuggets: Mix hot sauce with honey for a sweet-spicy combo that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
So, what are you waiting for? These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are calling your name! Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive – they’re a must-try for any snack lover. 🍗🔥 Whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Love:
Looking for more easy and delicious air fryer recipes? Here are a few more to add to your collection that are sure to become favourites!
Share The Love!
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. 📸 I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how you’ve made these nuggets your own.
Happy cooking! 😊
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Craving something crispy, spicy, and totally addictive? Let’s whip up some buffalo chicken nuggets in the air fryer! They’re super easy, quick, and finger-licking good! Trust me, these nuggets will be a hit with everyone. 😋
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken in a bowl with the garlic powder and onion flakes.
- Pour over the hot sauce (or tomato sauce if you’re keeping it mild) and mix well until the chicken is coated.
- Add the panko crumbs and gently toss the chicken pieces with your fingertips, making sure they’re all covered with the crumbs.
- Pop the nuggets into your air fryer basket, spray them lightly with olive oil, and cook at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Serve them up with a side of creamy ranch for dipping and enjoy! 🥳
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
No worries! You can still enjoy these buffalo chicken nuggets by baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200°C, and bake the nuggets on a lined tray for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out just as crispy!
Yes! You can prep the nuggets ahead of time by coating them in the panko and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to make a big batch, you can also freeze the uncooked nuggets and cook them directly from frozen when needed.
If you’ve got leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 180°C to crisp them up again. They’ll taste just as good as the first time around!