Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Dip: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Buffalo chicken dip is a popular dish for game day or tailgate parties, and it can be made in an air fryer. The dip is creamy, cheesy, spicy, and tastes like hot wings without the mess. It is also keto-friendly and gluten-free. To make it, you will need chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ranch/sour cream. The ingredients are mixed together and cooked in an air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16-25 minutes. The dip can be served with celery sticks, crackers, crusty bread cubes, or tortilla chips.

Ingredients

The ingredients for buffalo chicken dip in an air fryer are similar to those used in traditional recipes, with a few adjustments to suit the cooking method. Here is a detailed list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious dip:

Chicken

For the star ingredient, chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Opt for breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You will need around 2 small chicken breasts, which should yield about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded chicken. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken if you have it.

Buffalo Sauce

The signature spicy kick of buffalo chicken dip comes from the buffalo sauce. You can make your own by combining hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot Original, with melted butter. Aim for a ratio of 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter. Alternatively, you can use store-bought buffalo sauce.

Cheese

Cheese is what gives this dip its creamy and indulgent texture. The most commonly used cheeses in this dip are cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. You will need about 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, depending on how cheesy you like it. The blue cheese adds a tangy flavour, and you will need about 1/4 cup crumbled.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is key to balancing out the spice of the buffalo sauce. It adds a cool, creamy tang to the dip. You will need about 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.

Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of the dip, you can add various seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are excellent additions. You will need about 1/2 teaspoon of each.

Garnishes

To take your dip to the next level, you can add some garnishes. Chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce will make your dip look and taste amazing.

Other Ingredients

You will also need some butter for the buffalo sauce, and if you like, you can add in some cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra indulgent twist.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you are well on your way to creating a delicious and crowd-pleasing buffalo chicken dip!

Step-by-step instructions

Ingredients:

• Chicken – cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts/tenders work well)
• Cream cheese
• Hot sauce (Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce is recommended)
• Ranch dressing (Hidden Valley Ranch is recommended)
• Cheese – shredded (pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• Butter (optional)
• Blue cheese and celery sticks for serving (optional)

Method:

Step 1: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and about half of the shredded cheese. Microwave for about 60 seconds.

Step 2: Stir the mixture until well combined. Continue heating in 30-second intervals if needed to make combining easier.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket or tray. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4: Air fry at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16-25 minutes, or until hot.

Step 5: Uncover and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Air fry again at the same temperature for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or sliced green onions. Serve hot with celery sticks, crackers, chips, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips:

• If you want a less spicy dip, halve the amount of hot sauce and increase the ranch dressing to one full cup.
• For extra spice, use Frank's extra-hot buffalo sauce.
• To make a non-dairy version, use non-dairy cheese substitutes.
• You can also swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing or add some blue cheese crumbles to the dip.
• Be sure to cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning before the middle is hot.

Reheating and troubleshooting

Once you've made your buffalo chicken dip, you can reheat it in the air fryer. Simply place it in an air fryer-safe dish, cover it, and heat it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it's heated through. The time will depend on the amount of dip you're reheating, but it will likely take somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can also reheat the dip in the microwave, which will be faster and less likely to dry it out.

If you're making the dip from scratch, it's a good idea to start by mixing the ingredients in the microwave so that they melt together more easily. Then, finish it off in the air fryer to get a crispy, golden top.

If your dip turns out runny, it's probably because you added too much sour cream or not enough chicken. This results in excess moisture in the dip.

Serving suggestions

Buffalo chicken dip is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dip and impress your guests:

Chips and Crackers

Tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or even sliced baguette are classic choices for dipping into buffalo chicken dip. The crispiness of these accompaniments provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy and spicy dip.

Vegetable Sticks

For a healthier option, serve your buffalo chicken dip with an assortment of vegetable sticks. Celery, carrot, or even bell pepper sticks add a refreshing crunch to your snack.

Blue Cheese and Ranch Dressing

Blue cheese and ranch dressing are classic pairings with buffalo chicken. Consider serving your dip with a side of crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a flavour-packed experience.

Extra Buffalo Sauce

For those who like it extra spicy, provide a small dish of additional buffalo sauce on the side. This allows your guests to add an extra kick to their dip if desired.

Garnishes

Don't forget to garnish your dip! Chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley not only add flavour but also make your dish look more appealing.

Customise Your Dip

Remember, buffalo chicken dip is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and add-ins. You can even set up a dip bar with various toppings and let your guests customise their own creations.

Make-ahead and storage

Making buffalo chicken dip in an air fryer is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It is also easy to make ahead and store for later. Here is a detailed guide on how to make and store buffalo chicken dip:

Buffalo chicken dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This is a great option if you are planning ahead for a party or gathering. Simply follow the recipe steps up until baking, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container, and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, bake the dip as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it is heated through.

If you have leftover buffalo chicken dip after serving, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow the dip to cool completely, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. To reheat, you can either microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, or transfer it to an oven-safe dish and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For longer storage, buffalo chicken dip can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap. Label the container with the date and contents. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw the dip overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the methods mentioned above.

Remember, it is important to discard any leftover dip that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Frequently asked questions