Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken

What could be better than crispy buffalo chicken cutlets? How about crispy buffalo chicken that has only 5 ingredients, are made in the air fryer and they come out juicy and tender inside and crispy outside. It's no secret I am a huge buffalo fan and I love Noble Made's medium buffalo sauce. They also have a mild and hot so you get to choose your heat level. I sautéd carrots and celery for delicious side to go with the chicken. This crispy chicken is also delicious reheated and served over a big salad with your favorite ranch dressing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients: With only five main ingredients plus oil spray this couldn't be any easier and you probably have most of the ingredients already.

Easy and delicious: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes cook time they are on the table quickly making them the perfect busy weeknight dinner for your family that they will all devour!

Whole30 compatible: These crispy, flavorful cutlets are perfect for your Whole30 or Paleo lifestyle and one that will be on regular rotation.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken breasts: I like chicken that is organic and comes from a small farming collective, never receive antibiotics or hormones and are humanely treated. Any chicken breast whether organic or not can be used.

Pork panko: Pork panko is ground up pork rinds which are made from the skin of the pig. It is a popular choice as a breading substitute in Whole30 or paleo recipes due to its grain-free nature and ability to provide a crispy texture, mimicking traditional breadcrumbs without compromising dietary preferences. I often find myself reaching for Baconsheir brand.

Buffalo Sauce: Is a hot sauce enhanced with ingredients to make it richer and smoother than regular hot sauce. Noble Made is hands down my favorite buffalo sauce and it's also dairy-free. I love that it is sugar free, whole30 approved and you get to choose your own heat level.

Egg: Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins and are one of the few foods that should be classified as "superfoods".

Avocado Oil Spray: Is very versatile and has a neutral flavor that can be used for baking, high-heat cooking, sautéing and frying.

Salt

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dry the cutlets: Patting the cutlets dry with paper towels helps the egg and panko coating stick better providing a crispier outcome.

Chicken should be room temperature: While not completely necessary, having the chicken room temperature allows for quicker cooking in the air fryer.

Spraying the air fryer basket: Spraying the basket with the oil helps to prevent the crust from pulling away from your cutlets.

Recipe Variations

Don’t have Pork Panko on hand: You can easily substitute almond flour, cassava flour or any flour of choice.

Buffalo sauce: Not a fan of the heat from buffalo sauce? Try using barbecue sauce instead.

Don’t like chicken breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as well. Just be sure the chicken is 165˚ at the thickest part when done.

Storage Tips

Air fryer buffalo chicken can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken

What do I serve with buffalo chicken?

I like to stir fry carrots and celery slices to serve with the buffalo chicken.

What is the difference between chicken cutlets and chicken breast?

A chicken cutlet is simply a chicken breast that has been cut in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces.

Should chicken cutlets be pounded?

While I do not pound them for this recipe if your breasts are particularly thick on one end you may wish to pound it to create a more even piece of meat and prevent uneven cooking.