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Homemade Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets photo

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 breasts), cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder use ground cayenne to make it hotter
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup seasoned panko or gluten-free crumbs
  • olive oil spray for spraying nuggets before and after flipping
  • 3 tbsp Frank's Hot Sauce or your favorite hot sauce
  • celery stalks and carrot sticks optional, for serving
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 2 Small bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Trim any fat and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned panko in a shallow bowl and the hot sauce in a separate shallow bowl.
  4. Working a few pieces at a time, dip chicken chunks into the hot sauce, then coat thoroughly in the panko; shake off excess and set on the air fryer basket in a single layer. Repeat in batches as needed.
  5. Spray the tops of the nuggets generously with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the nuggets, spray the other side, and air fry another 8 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
  6. Serve hot with celery and carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
  • Use more cayenne for extra heat.
  • Spray with oil to help crumbs brown and crisp.