Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: Healthy, Gluten-Free & 21 Day Fix Approved!
Get ready to meet your new family favorite: these incredibly delicious and crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets! Whether you prefer a mild kick or crave intense heat, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Don’t own an air fryer yet? No problem at all! We’ve included simple oven instructions, so everyone can enjoy these healthy, 21 Day Fix-friendly buffalo chicken nuggets. Prepare yourself for a snack, appetizer, or meal that’s bursting with flavor and satisfying crunch!
This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
My Air Fryer Journey and a New Obsession
Confession time: I sometimes feel like I’m cheating on my beloved Instant Pot with all this Air Fryer excitement! I know it sounds a little silly, but it’s true. And no, I’m not here to tell you that you absolutely *must* rush out and buy an air fryer right this second. It took me a little while to warm up to mine, but it’s steadily growing on me, and I’m having more and more fun experimenting with all kinds of recipes, Air Fryer style!
From reimagining my classic Krispie Chicken, I’ve now ventured into this incredible Buffalo version, and seriously, guys… I’m completely obsessed! The crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior of these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are truly a game-changer. They offer that satisfying crunch we all love, but with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a much healthier alternative for your favorite buffalo chicken fix.
The Secret to Perfectly Krispie Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Just like my original Krispie Chicken recipe, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are breaded in my absolute favorite Brown Rice Krispie cereal. (You can usually find this at your regular grocery store, but I’ve included the link just to show you exactly what to look for!). The beauty of using brown rice cereal is that it provides an incredibly light and airy crunch that truly mimics a deep-fried texture without all the oil. It’s also a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs or panko, making these Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets accessible to more people.
To infuse these nuggets with that signature buffalo flavor and a customizable kick, I added a touch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne to your liking. I personally prefer these on the milder side, and my kids love them that way too, ensuring they’re a family-friendly meal. The paprika and garlic powder further enhance the savory profile, creating a perfectly balanced flavor base for the chicken.
Achieving Maximum Buffalo Flavor and Crispiness
What sets these Krispie Buffalo Chicken Nuggets apart is the clever pre-breading dip. Before coating the chicken bites in the crunchy cereal mixture, they take a quick bath in a blend of hot sauce, olive oil, and egg white. This crucial step not only helps the breading adhere perfectly but also locks in an extra layer of zesty buffalo flavor directly onto the chicken. The egg white acts as a binder, while the olive oil contributes to the golden crispness we’re aiming for.
Once dipped, each little nugget gets a generous coating of that irresistible, seasoned brown rice cereal breading. Ensure they are fully covered for the best texture. This dual-layer approach guarantees both flavor penetration and an ultimate crispy crust. Then, it’s off to the Air Fryer to work its magic. It’s so incredibly easy to get perfectly cooked, wonderfully crispy nuggets every single time!
The Wonders of Air Frying: Fast, Crispy, and Healthy
If you’ve never seen an Air Fryer in action, prepare to be amazed. Check out this video to see how these buffalo chicken nuggets transform into golden, crispy perfection! The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook food, creating a deliciously crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with only a fraction of the oil. This makes it an ideal appliance for preparing healthier versions of your favorite “fried” foods.
Dipping Delights and Serving Suggestions
While my kids tend to dip everything in ketchup (it’s a universal kid thing, right? 😂), I am absolutely obsessed with pairing these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets with a quick, homemade Spicy Blue Cheese Dip. The cool, tangy blue cheese perfectly complements the spicy chicken, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This dip can even double as a delicious dressing – imagine these crispy nuggets atop a fresh salad!
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, you could also whip up a Healthy Ranch dressing or simply enjoy the nuggets plain. They are fantastic all on their own. These versatile nuggets make a great appetizer for game day, a fun addition to lunchboxes, or a quick and satisfying dinner. Anything goes when it comes to enjoying these flavorful bites!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
I don’t have an Air Fryer. Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Nuggets in the oven?
Absolutely! I’ve made sure to include detailed oven instructions in the recipe card below, so you won’t miss out on these incredible nuggets. The oven method still yields a wonderfully crispy result, especially if you ensure good air circulation around the nuggets and a generous spray of olive oil cooking spray.
Which Air Fryer should I buy?
I currently use a Philips Air Fryer, and I truly love how consistently it cooks. However, now that I’m more experienced, my main advice is to consider the actual cooking basket’s quart size and read reviews within your budget. If you’re cooking for a larger family, a small cooking basket (like mine) might require cooking in multiple batches, which can be time-consuming. Aim for the largest capacity that fits your kitchen and lifestyle.
Here are some of my readers’ favorite Air Fryers, offering various sizes and features:
- Power Air Fryer XL AF-530-5.3 5.3 QT Deluxe – This popular model offers a generous capacity, and this brand even has a six-quart version for even larger families!
- Philips HD9630/98 Avance XXL Twin Turbostar Airfryer (3lb/4qt) – A larger version of my own trusted Philips model, perfect if you appreciate its performance but need more space.
- NuWave Brio 6 Quart Digital Air Fryer – Black with NuWave Brio Air Fryer 3 Piece Gourmet Accessory Kit – I especially appreciate the useful accessories that come with this one. Plus, NuWave offers an impressive 10-quart option for serious air frying enthusiasts!
- GoWISE USA GW22731 1700-Watt 8-in-1 Digital 50 Recipes for Your Air Fryer Book, 5.8-QT – This model offers a great balance of size and functionality at an excellent price point.
- Ninja Foodi TenderCrisp Multi-Cooker and Fryer All-in-One (OP305) – This appliance is truly the kitchen dream machine! It combines the functions of a pressure cooker and an air fryer (among other things!). If I wasn’t already stocked with three Instant Pots and two Air Fryers, this would definitely be my next purchase. It’s perfect for those looking to maximize counter space with a multi-functional device.
What other foods can you cook in an Air Fryer?
I’m constantly testing new recipes, and the versatility of the Air Fryer continues to impress me! We’ve successfully made eggs, crispy french toast sticks, perfectly cooked chicken breasts, roasted potatoes, a variety of fresh vegetables, and even frozen veggies that come out tasting incredibly fresh and flavorful. I also adore this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, which is a fantastic vegetarian option for buffalo flavor lovers. Like I said, it’s really growing on me!
My favorite thing about the air fryer isn’t just how wonderfully crispy it makes everything, or how little oil you need to use; it’s truly how FAST it cooks! For busy weeknights or quick meal prep, the speed of an air fryer is unbeatable. You know me – I LOVE fast and easy recipes that don’t compromise on flavor or health!
Krispie Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken:
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 lb boneless chicken tenders cut into about 40 bite sized pieces
- 2 cups brown rice cereal can sub GF or whole wheat panko
- ¼- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne I would start with ¼ tsp and test a small batch before adding more!
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce I use Franks
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
Dipping Sauce:
- ¾ cup plain Greek Yogurt 2% for the FIX, fat free for WW
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- ⅓ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
Air Fryer
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Preheat Air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
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Place rice cereal in a bag along with spices. Using a rolling pin (or your hands) crush cereal a bit, leaving some larger pieces intact for varied texture. Place cereal mixture in a shallow bowl.
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Whisk egg white, hot sauce, and olive oil together in a small bowl to create the wet coating.
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One by one, dip the chicken bites into the hot sauce mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, then transfer them to the cereal spice mixture. Roll them around to coat completely. Shake off any excess breading.
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Arrange the breaded chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in small batches if necessary to allow them to crisp up properly. Spray generously with olive oil cooking spray and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the nuggets, spray again, and cook for another 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
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While the nuggets cook, prepare the dipping sauce: mix Greek yogurt, hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles (and vinegar and lemon juice, if using) together in a bowl. Taste and add more hot sauce if a spicier dip is desired.
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Serve the hot, crispy nuggets immediately with the creamy blue cheese buffalo sauce and enjoy!
Oven
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place rice cereal in a bag along with spices. Using a rolling pin (or your hands) crush cereal a bit, leaving some larger pieces in tact for a satisfying crunch. Place cereal mixture in a shallow bowl.
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Whisk egg white, hot sauce, and olive oil together in a small bowl.
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One by one, dip the chicken bites into the hot sauce mixture, then into the cereal spice mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating. Shake off excess breading.
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Place chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each nugget. Spray with olive oil cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the nuggets, spray again, and cook for 5 more minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crispy.
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Mix Greek yogurt, hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles (and vinegar and lemon juice, if using) together in a small bowl. Taste and adjust hot sauce if desired.
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Serve your delicious oven-baked nuggets with the blue cheese buffalo sauce and savor every bite!
Video
Notes
WW: Green – 5 points, Blue – 4 points, Purple – 1 point (per 10 nuggets); Sauce – Green – 2 points, Blue – 1 point, Purple – 1 point (per 1/4 of sauce recipe) [Calculated using Fat Free Greek yogurt and reduced fat blue cheese)
Nutrition
There you have it – a truly fantastic, versatile, and healthy recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets that the whole family will adore. Whether you’re following the 21 Day Fix, Weight Watchers, or simply looking for a delicious gluten-free meal, these nuggets deliver on flavor, crunch, and ease. Enjoy them as a quick snack, a satisfying lunch, or a fun dinner with your favorite dipping sauce!