Dinner

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

ByHarry Bern January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal that come together quickly. Perfectly seasoned and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish when served with fresh veggies and your favorite dressing.

A white oval plate is full of crispy chicken pieces coated in a bright orange glossy sauce, showing a slightly textured, spiced surface on each piece. In the top right corner of the plate, there is a small metal cup filled with a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small part of another plate visible below, holding fresh, bright green celery sticks and vibrant orange carrot sticks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray
½ cup buffalo sauce
Rice, carrots, celery, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the baking powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir or toss to coat the chicken well.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in an even layer, leaving space between them.
Step 5: Spray the chicken with olive oil spray.
Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Warm the buffalo sauce for 20-30 seconds in the microwave.
Step 8: Add the cooked chicken to a large bowl and pour the sauce over the chicken pieces. Toss or stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 9: Serve over rice with carrots and celery. Top with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy bites, make sure the chicken pieces are dry before coating with the baking powder and spices.
Try swapping buffalo sauce for barbecue or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken bites on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy or warm in the microwave, though they may lose some crispness.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of fluffy white rice covering half the bowl. On one side, there is a fresh mix of diced bright orange carrots and sliced light green celery. On top of the rice in the center, there are small, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a reddish-orange sauce, each piece drizzled with creamy white dressing. Behind the bowl, a white plate with more chicken pieces sits on a wooden board, and a small glass jar of the same creamy sauce is placed nearby. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a metal spoon and a beige cloth napkin at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed, checking the internal temperature for doneness.