Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites are a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crispy flavors. They make a delicious snack or appetizer, ready in just minutes with the help of your air fryer. Enjoy the cheesy, tangy goodness in every bite!

Ingredients

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions until well mixed. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto a baking sheet and roll into smooth 2-inch balls.
2. Step 2: Prepare three separate dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and crushed cornflakes. Working with six balls at a time, dip each ball first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with cornflakes. Place the coated balls back onto the baking sheet. Rinse your hands between batches to keep things neat.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Optionally, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Arrange up to 12 coated chicken balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce in the chicken mixture.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Use crushed panko instead of cornflakes for a lighter, crunchier coating.
• Add finely chopped celery or jalapeños in the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these chicken bites?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can bake the chicken bites in a conventional oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crisping. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried but will still be delicious.

Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

These Air Fryer Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a game day snack or appetizer. Made with shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese, then coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and air fried to golden perfection, these bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo chicken wings.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 chicken bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form the bites: Using a medium cookie scoop, spoon about 2-inch portions of the chicken mixture onto a baking sheet. Roll each portion into smooth balls to form uniform chicken bites.
3. Set up the breading stations: Arrange three separate dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with crushed cornflakes. This will be used for coating the chicken bites.
4. Coat the chicken bites: Working with 6 balls at a time, dip each chicken ball first into the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, then roll in the crushed cornflakes to coat completely. Place coated bites back on the baking sheet. Rinse hands between batches to prevent sticking.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (approximately 193°C). Optionally, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
6. Air fry the bites: Arrange up to 12 coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes until the bites are crispy and golden brown.
7. Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving. This will help maintain their crispy texture.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level of the bites.
• Crushed cornflakes provide a crispy coating, but you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs if preferred.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these bites can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on the baking sheet to prevent sticking when forming the balls.
• Allowing the bites to rest after cooking helps improve texture and flavor.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken bites, air fryer appetizer, cheesy chicken snacks, crispy chicken bites, game day recipes