Air-Fried Buffalo Chicken Breasts: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make a healthier version of buffalo chicken breasts. The cooking method uses less oil than other options, and the chicken still comes out tender and crispy. You can use a variety of sauces, including buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic, and you can adjust the spice level to your preference. The chicken is best served with a side like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrots, and it can be made in under 30 minutes.

How to make buffalo sauce from scratch

Ingredients:

You will need:

• Hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is a popular choice)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• White vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and set aside.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Heat the mixture until it is warm and starts to steam. Do not let it boil. Stir frequently.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce starts to simmer.
• Add the butter to the hot sauce mixture and whisk quickly until the butter melts.
• Add salt to taste, if desired.
• If the sauce is too spicy, add a touch of honey to balance it out.

Tips:

• If you prefer a vegan option, use vegan butter and substitute the honey with agave.
• For a thicker sauce, try melting the butter before adding it to the hot sauce.
• If you want to reduce the spice, you can eliminate or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
• You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

Preparing the chicken before cooking is a crucial step in ensuring your buffalo chicken is tender and flavourful. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your chicken:

Firstly, you will need to cut and clean your chicken. For this recipe, you will require boneless chicken breasts, which you should cut into thinner pieces. You can also opt for chicken tenderloins or chicken thighs if you prefer. Ensure the chicken is plump and pink, indicating freshness. Do not wash the chicken, as this can spread bacteria; cooking will kill any harmful bacteria.

Next, you will need to season the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, add your chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add onion powder for extra flavour. Mix the spices and chicken together, ensuring an even coating.

Now, you will need to marinate the chicken. In a separate bowl, prepare your buffalo sauce by mixing together hot sauce, butter, and honey. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce, or using a mild buffalo sauce. Add the chicken pieces to the buffalo sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The chicken should marinate for at least an hour, but no more than 12 hours.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

The first step is to prepare your chicken. If you are using chicken breasts, you will need to cut them into strips or thinner pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins or thighs if you prefer. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place them in a shallow bowl.

Next, you will need to season the chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk together your chosen seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika and cayenne pepper for extra heat. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture, making sure they are completely covered. You can also add some buffalo sauce to this step if you want a stronger flavour.

Now it's time to cook the chicken in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overlapping.

Cook the chicken for around 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is done.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Brush the chicken generously with buffalo sauce and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the chicken to retain its moisture and ensures it is juicy and tender.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried buffalo chicken that can be enjoyed as is or added to wraps, salads, or sandwiches.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is a great way to ensure your delicious air-fried buffalo chicken breasts don't go to waste. Here's a guide to help you do it safely and maintain the best quality:

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the chicken cool: Before storing, allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature. Storing hot food can create steam, leading to sogginess and a higher risk of bacterial growth.
• Portion and store: Divide the chicken into serving portions. Use airtight containers or sealable plastic bags designed for food storage. Make sure the containers are dry and clean. You can also line the containers with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
• Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator. Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350-375°F (180-190°C). Give it a few minutes to preheat.
• Prepare the chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and remove it from the storage containers. If there are any visible juices or condensation, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the chicken reheats crisply.
• Reheat in the air fryer: Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each piece for even heating. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Check halfway through and give it a gentle shake or flip to ensure even heating.
• Check temperature: To ensure the chicken is safely reheated, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue reheating in increments of 1 minute until it does.
• Enjoy: Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Enjoy your crispy, juicy buffalo chicken!

Note: It is important to handle leftovers properly to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Always ensure your hands, utensils, and storage containers are clean. Do not keep leftovers for extended periods, and if in doubt, throw it out.

What to serve with buffalo chicken breast

There are several options for what to serve with buffalo chicken breast. Here are some ideas for side dishes:

• Starchy sides: creamy mac and cheese, garlic roasted potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes.
• Low-carb options: cauliflower mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles.
• Vegetables: roasted carrots, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts.
• Salads: a fresh green salad, or a crispy buffalo chicken salad with sharp white cheddar, fresh vegetables, and light blue cheese dressing.
• Simple side dishes: carrot and celery sticks, wedges, slaw, corn, or grilled corn.
• Other sides: loaded potato skins, green beans, sweet potato fries, grilled veggies, or a simple red sauce pasta.

If you're serving buffalo chicken tenders, you could also try these side dishes:

• Homemade French Fries
• Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
• Broccoli Pasta Salad

Frequently asked questions