Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken recipe offers a quick, flavorful way to enjoy spicy, tender chicken breasts coated with classic buffalo sauce. Using the air fryer ensures a juicy interior with a slight crisp on the outside, all in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a spicy weeknight dinner or game day snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 medium chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Avocado or olive oil cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- â…“ cup + 3 tbsp buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot Sauce mixed with 1 Tbsp melted butter or ghee and ½ tsp paprika)
- ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1 Tbsp melted butter or ghee
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and lightly grease the basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Place them in a shallow bowl for marination.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour â…“ cup of buffalo sauce over the chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper, and use kitchen tongs to flip and coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Place Chicken in Air Fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the basket, placing them breast side down (the smooth side) to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip each breast using tongs and air fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to firm up and cook through.
- Apply Remaining Sauce and Finish Cooking: Remove chicken breasts from the air fryer, generously coat them with the remaining 3 tablespoons or more of buffalo sauce, then return them to the air fryer. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking; this allows juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve your delicious buffalo chicken hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F for safety.
- Adjust amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have buffalo sauce, mix Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with melted butter and paprika as a homemade alternative.
- Letting the chicken rest improves juiciness and flavor.
