Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and crispy chicken dish that packs a punch, look no further! This recipe combines juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts with a spicy buffalo sauce, creating a flavorful treat that is sure to please. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour
2 large eggs
Whole milk
Panko bread crumbs
Black pepper
Garlic salt
Smoked paprika
Buffalo sauce
Brown sugar
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
2. Coat each chicken piece evenly with all-purpose flour.
3. In a bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, black pepper, garlic salt, and smoked paprika.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk.
5. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
7. In another bowl, mix buffalo sauce with brown sugar until well combined.
8. Coat each breaded chicken piece evenly with the buffalo sauce mixture.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
10. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
11. Cook two pieces at a time for about 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through the cooking time.
12. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful buffalo chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
2. Flour Coating
Coat each chicken piece evenly with all-purpose flour, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
3. Prepare the Panko Mixture
In a bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, black pepper, garlic salt, and smoked paprika.
4. Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until fully blended.
5. Dredging the Chicken
Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. Panko Coating
Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
7. Buffalo Sauce Mixture
In another bowl, mix buffalo sauce with brown sugar until well combined.
8. Sauce Coating
Coat each breaded chicken piece evenly with the buffalo sauce mixture.
9. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
10. Place Chicken in Air Fryer
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
11. Cooking Process
Cook two pieces at a time for about 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through the cooking time.
12. Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Chicken Size
Choose large chicken breasts for optimal cooking time and texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Using panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Breading Technique
Ensure each chicken piece is well coated in flour, egg, and panko for the best results.
Air Frying Tips
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Temperature Checking
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe consumption.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Chicken
Cutting chicken breasts in half horizontally creates thinner, more evenly cooked pieces, ensuring a better texture and quicker cooking time.
Dredging with Flour
Coating chicken pieces with all-purpose flour helps the egg wash adhere better, creating a crispy crust when fried.
Egg Wash Technique
Whisking together eggs and whole milk allows for a smooth coating that binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken, enhancing the crunchiness.
Seasoning the Panko
Mixing panko bread crumbs with black pepper, garlic salt, and smoked paprika infuses flavor directly into the crust, elevating the dish’s taste.
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
Combining buffalo sauce with brown sugar balances the heat of the sauce with sweetness, adding depth to the flavor profile.
Air Frying
Cooking in an air fryer at 390°F ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, reducing the need for excess oil.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety while guaranteeing that the meat remains tender.
Resting Chicken
Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more succulent final product.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to reach the desired internal temperature.
Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, baking is an option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken?
This buffalo chicken pairs well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad to balance the spiciness.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can bread the chicken beforehand and refrigerate it for a few hours before air frying to save time.
Conclusion
This air-fried buffalo chicken recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a main course or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Use the breaded buffalo chicken as a filling for warm tortillas, topped with cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a tasty taco option.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Chop the cooked buffalo chicken and toss it on a bed of mixed greens with diced celery, cherry tomatoes, and a blue cheese dressing for a refreshing salad.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Wrap the crispy buffalo chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, shredded cheese, and your choice of sauce for a quick and convenient meal.
Chicken Parmesan Bites
After breading the chicken, add some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top before air frying for a buffalo chicken twist on classic chicken parmesan bites.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Shred the cooked buffalo chicken and mix it with cream cheese, sour cream, and additional buffalo sauce, then bake until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing dip.
