Go Back
buffalo chicken breast spicy

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast

Joy Brooks
Perfectly juicy buffalo chicken breasts made in the air fryer with a crispy exterior and tangy, spicy coating. This method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 295 kcal
Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 18 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot sauce mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter)
  • blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, celery sticks for garnish, optional

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), pound them lightly to an even thickness of approximately 3/4 inch for more uniform cooking.
  2. Brush chicken with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  3. Set air fryer to 380°F and allow to preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment the chicken is added.
  4. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Open the air fryer and brush chicken breasts with a thin layer of buffalo sauce on the top side only. Return to the air fryer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken breasts, brush the second side with buffalo sauce, and continue cooking for 4-6 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F at the thickest part.
  7. When the chicken reaches temperature, brush both sides generously with the remaining buffalo sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2 final minutes to set the sauce.
  8. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to the food-safe 165°F, and the juices will redistribute throughout the meat.
  9. Slice chicken against the grain or serve whole, garnished with blue cheese crumbles and green onions if desired. Accompany with celery sticks and additional buffalo sauce on the side.

Note

  • For chicken breasts larger than 8 oz, use a 2-stage temperature approach: cook at 370°F for the first 8 minutes, then increase to 390°F for the remaining time.
  • Position chicken breasts at least 1 inch apart in the air fryer for proper air circulation.
  • Always check multiple points in the chicken breast when measuring temperature, as air fryers can create hot spots.
  • If your chicken typically comes out dry, try brining it in a solution of 1/4 cup kosher salt to 4 cups water for 30 minutes before cooking.