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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, spicy buffalo chicken nuggets made quickly in the air fryer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

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 or ground cayenne for more heat
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup seasoned panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • olive oil spray for spraying the nuggets
  • 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

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
  • Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder (or cayenne), and black pepper; toss to coat evenly.
  • Place the seasoned panko in one shallow bowl and the hot sauce in another bowl.
  • Working in batches, dip a few chicken pieces into the hot sauce to coat, then dredge in the panko to fully coat each piece.
  • Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; repeat for remaining pieces.
  • Spray the tops of the nuggets generously with olive oil spray, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flip the nuggets, spray the other side, then air fry an additional 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve the buffalo chicken nuggets with celery, carrot sticks, and blue cheese dressing if desired.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
  • Use more cayenne for extra heat.
  • Seasoned panko can be substituted with gluten-free crumbs.