Introduction

These Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites are a perfect combination of spicy buffalo flavor and gooey melted cheese. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a delicious snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
½ cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Mix in the shredded cheese with the buffalo chicken mixture.
Step 3: Form the mixture into bite-sized balls or patties, then roll each piece in breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each.
Step 5: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bites are golden brown, crispy, and cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, spray the bites lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
Try adding chopped green onions or finely diced celery to the mixture for added texture.
Use blue cheese or ranch dressing as dipping sauces for a classic buffalo pairing.
Substitute chicken breast with cooked turkey for a different twist.

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 restore 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 even melting and crispiness. If using raw chicken, cook it fully before mixing with the other ingredients.

What kind of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese melts well and complements the buffalo sauce nicely. You can also mix cheeses for a richer flavor.

Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

Crispy and melty Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites that pack a flavorful punch with spicy buffalo sauce and gooey cheese, perfectly coated with crunchy breadcrumbs. A quick and delicious appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

Sauce

½ cup buffalo sauce

Cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Breading

1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce, mixing thoroughly until all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring the cheese is distributed evenly for melty bites.
Form Bites: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls or small patties.
Coat Bites: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken bite first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy exterior.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes for optimal cooking temperature.
Air Fry Bites: Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the bites are golden, crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted.
Serve: Remove the bites carefully and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dip if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully cooked before starting the recipe.
Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to taste for more or less spiciness.
Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
For extra crispiness, spray the bites lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger group.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken bites, air fryer appetizers, cheesy chicken bites, spicy chicken snacks