Introduction

These Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy appetizer perfect for game day or snacks. Crispy on the outside with a melty, spicy cheese center, they come together quickly in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
Step 2: Combine the buffalo chicken mixture with cheese, then shape into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Roll each piece in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
Step 4: Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Step 5: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Try mixing in blue cheese crumbles with the shredded cheese to deepen the buffalo flavor.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out. If using raw chicken, cook it fully before mixing with buffalo sauce and cheese.

What type of cheese works best for melting?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work well because they melt smoothly and complement the buffalo sauce flavor.

Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

These Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites are a deliciously crispy and spicy appetizer perfect for game day or snack time. Tender chicken pieces are coated with a mixture of buffalo sauce, cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, then air fried to golden perfection for a melty, flavorful bite bursting with cheesy buffalo goodness.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Bites

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with the buffalo sauce until well-coated, infusing the chicken with spicy flavor.
Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a separate shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, crispy coating.
Dip Chicken in Egg Wash: Dip each buffalo-coated chicken piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, which helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
Bread the Chicken Bites: Roll each piece in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thick coating on every bite.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Arrange the Chicken Bites: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow for even air circulation. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to enhance browning.
Air Fry the Bites: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to crisp all sides and ensure the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melty.
Serve Warm: Once golden and crispy, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve immediately with extra buffalo sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Notes

For extra spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce before coating.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an even crispier texture.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference for cheesiness.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Bites, Air Fryer Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Bites, Appetizer, Game Day Snacks