Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites: A Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipe for Game Day & Beyond

Get ready to spice up your snack game with these incredibly delicious and effortlessly made **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**! Hot, perfectly spicy, and bursting with flavor, they are the quintessential **appetizer**, finger food, or **snack** for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively Super Bowl or Game Day gathering, throwing a casual party, or simply craving a savory treat, these crispy chicken bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. What makes them even better? This recipe is entirely **gluten-free** and **dairy-free**, ensuring everyone can indulge in the fiery goodness without compromise. Prepare to make these juicy, tender chicken morsels a regular in your recipe rotation!

What is Buffalo Sauce? The Iconic Flavor Explained

For those new to the world of zesty, fiery flavors, you might be wondering, “What exactly is buffalo sauce?” Rest assured, despite the name, it has absolutely nothing to do with bison! Instead, the name “buffalo sauce” hails from its birthplace: Buffalo, New York. This beloved condiment was first created in the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in the mid-1960s, quickly becoming a culinary legend.

At its core, traditional buffalo sauce is a smooth, rich, and spicy blend, predominantly made with a cayenne pepper hot sauce base (like Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter. This simple yet magical combination results in a sauce that is bold, tangy, and boasts a distinct heat that lingers delightfully. It’s most famously associated with chicken wings – hence the widespread popularity of “buffalo wings.” However, its versatility extends far beyond, as we’ll prove with our irresistible **buffalo chicken bites**.

In this recipe, we’re taking that legendary buffalo flavor and applying it to small, bite-sized pieces of chicken. These perfectly portioned chicken bites are incredibly easy to eat as finger food, requiring nothing more than a fork or a toothpick – making them ideal for casual snacking and social gatherings. Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Buffalo, New York, in a convenient, delicious format!

Perfecting Buffalo Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking these delectable **buffalo chicken bites**, we’ve opted for the convenience and health benefits of the air fryer. While classic buffalo chicken might bring to mind deep-fried wings, the air fryer offers a fantastic, healthier alternative without sacrificing that coveted crispy texture.

Using an air fryer drastically simplifies the cooking process. It requires significantly less oil compared to traditional deep frying, resulting in a lighter dish that’s still wonderfully tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Furthermore, cleanup is a breeze – no large pots of hot oil to deal with! This makes our **air fryer buffalo chicken bites** a smart, guilt-free choice for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite spicy snack.

Once the chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they’ll be generously tossed in our homemade buffalo sauce. Crafting your own sauce from scratch gives you full control over the heat level. You can dial up the spice for a truly fiery experience or mellow it out to suit more sensitive palates. This personalized touch ensures your **gluten-free buffalo chicken bites** are exactly to your liking, every single time.

Why This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe Is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items or specialized components for these **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**. The ingredients required for this recipe are readily available at your local grocery store, making preparation stress-free and convenient. We focus on common pantry staples and fresh chicken to create maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: From start to finish, preparing these **buffalo chicken bites** is incredibly straightforward and quick. This makes them an ideal choice for a last-minute **appetizer** or a satisfying **snack** during football season, game nights, or any party or gathering. The process is designed to be simple, allowing you to whip up a spicy, flavorful, and truly addictive treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this easy recipe, it’s sure to become a frequent request!
• Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: One of the absolute best aspects of these **air fryer chicken bites** is that they are 100% **gluten-free** and **dairy-free**. This is fantastic news for anyone with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or dairy intolerances, as they can enjoy these delicious, spicy bites without any worries. We carefully select ingredients, such as cornstarch for coating and dairy-free butter for the sauce, to ensure that the recipe remains inclusive and enjoyable for all, delivering full flavor without compromise.

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites:

To give you a clear picture, here’s a visual overview of the key ingredients required for crafting these tantalizing **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect flavor and texture profile for our **gluten-free and dairy-free buffalo chicken**.

(For the precise measurements and quantities, please make sure to scroll down to the detailed **printable recipe card** located at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Expert Substitutions for Your Buffalo Chicken Bites

• Chicken: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use any boneless chicken part you prefer, whether it’s succulent boneless chicken breast for leaner bites or flavorful chicken thighs for a richer taste. Just ensure you remove any bones and skin before meticulously cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Uniformity helps ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is key for achieving that crispy exterior on our **air fryer chicken bites**. However, if you have a corn allergy or simply prefer an alternative, you can easily swap out the cornstarch for an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot starch. Both alternatives will provide a similar crisping effect.
• Ground Cayenne Pepper: For those who truly love a fiery kick, we’ve included a pinch of ground cayenne pepper to amplify the heat in these **buffalo chicken bites**. If you’re looking for a milder flavor with a hint of warmth, ground paprika can be used as a substitute. Remember, you have complete control: feel free to increase or decrease the amount of pepper based on your personal heat tolerance and preference.
• Ground White Pepper: While ground white pepper offers a subtle, distinct pungency that complements the buffalo flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, ground black pepper will work perfectly well as a common substitute without compromising the overall taste profile significantly.
• Granulated Garlic: To infuse an extra layer of savory depth, we recommend adding granulated garlic to the seasoning mix. Its fine texture distributes evenly. If granulated garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative, offering a similar aromatic boost.
• Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil is used to grease the air fryer basket, preventing sticking and aiding in that beautiful golden-brown crisp. You can easily substitute olive oil with other high smoke point vegetable oils like canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. For ultimate convenience, a nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray can also be used.
• Sriracha Sauce: When making these **gluten-free buffalo chicken bites**, it’s absolutely vital for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance to verify that they are using a certified gluten-free Sriracha sauce. While many brands are naturally gluten-free, it’s always best to check the label to be safe.
• Frank’s RedHot Sauce: This is the cornerstone of authentic buffalo sauce. Frank’s RedHot sauce provides that signature tangy heat that defines buffalo flavor. For the truest taste, we strongly recommend against substituting it; its unique blend is hard to replicate.
• Butter: To maintain the **dairy-free** status of this recipe, we specifically call for dairy-free butter. Many excellent plant-based butter alternatives are available today that melt beautifully and add the necessary richness. If dairy is not a concern for you or your guests, feel free to use regular unsalted butter instead.

How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step Guide):

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients for Flavorful Coating

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, ground cayenne pepper, ground white pepper, and granulated garlic. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients together until they are evenly combined. This creates the foundational seasoning mixture that will coat our chicken bites, locking in moisture and ensuring a crispy exterior.

2. Evenly Coat Chicken with Seasoning Blend

Carefully transfer your diced chicken fillet pieces into the bowl containing the dry condiment mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring that each individual piece of chicken is completely and evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for both flavor and achieving that desirable crispy texture in the air fryer, making sure every bite of our **gluten-free buffalo chicken bites** is perfect.

3. Air Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Lightly grease your air fryer basket with olive oil or your preferred cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Once preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer within the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken at 380°F for a total of 15 minutes, using kitchen tongs to turn the chicken over halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all sides get delightfully golden brown and crispy. After 15 minutes, your chicken fillet will be perfectly cooked through – it’s important not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken, losing that tender juiciness that makes these **air fryer buffalo chicken bites** so good.

4. Whisk Together Your Homemade Buffalo Sauce

While your chicken is air frying, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the buffalo sauce. Pour both the gluten-free Sriracha sauce and the essential Frank’s RedHot sauce into a saucepan. Add the dairy-free butter (or regular butter if preferred). Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the butter is completely melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, homogeneous sauce. This perfect blend of tangy and spicy will transform your chicken bites.

5. Toss & Heat Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Once the chicken is perfectly air-fried and the sauce is ready, transfer the crispy chicken pieces directly into the saucepan with your prepared buffalo sauce. Stir vigorously, ensuring that every single **air fryer chicken bite** is generously coated on all sides with the luscious, spicy sauce. Continue to heat the chicken in the sauce for another 3 minutes over medium heat. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the chicken is warmed through and thoroughly infused with that irresistible buffalo goodness.

6. Serve Your Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Bites

Your fiery, flavorful **buffalo chicken bites** are now ready to be devoured! For a complete and classic presentation, serve them immediately with crisp vegetable crudités. Carrot sticks and celery sticks are traditional choices, offering a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the spicy chicken. Don’t forget a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing (dairy-free options available!) for dipping, and get ready to enjoy this epic snack!

Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Enjoyment:

• Make Buffalo Chicken Wings: If you’re a purist who prefers the classic, simply swap out the cubed chicken for bone-in or boneless chicken wings! Follow the same seasoning and air-frying steps, adjusting cooking time as needed for larger pieces, then toss in the sauce.
• Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders: For a heartier, elongated snack, use chicken tenders instead of bite-sized cubes. Air fry until golden and cooked through, then coat in the spicy buffalo sauce for delicious **air fryer chicken tenders**.
• Swap out Chicken for Cauliflower: Looking for a fantastic vegetarian or vegan option? Transform this recipe by substituting the chicken with fresh cauliflower florets. Coat them in the same dry seasoning mixture, air fry until tender-crisp, and then toss with the buffalo sauce (ensuring your butter is dairy-free).
• Additional Condiments: To further enhance the aromatic profile of your **buffalo chicken bites**, consider adding a dash of onion powder to the dry seasoning mix. It complements the garlic and peppers beautifully.
• Other Breading Ingredients: If cornstarch isn’t your preference, don’t worry! You can achieve a similar crispy coating using gluten-free all-purpose flour, finely ground almond flour, or gluten-free panko bread crumbs. If you aren’t Celiac or gluten-intolerant, regular wheat flour works just as well.
• Make a Quick Dinner: These spicy chicken bites aren’t just for snacking! For a satisfying and speedy main dish, serve them piping hot over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Add some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make Buffalo Chicken Dip: Extend your buffalo love! Here’s how to make a creamy, irresistible buffalo chicken dip. It’s perfect for dipping extra crudités, crunchy breadsticks, or your favorite gluten-free crackers.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites:

More Delicious Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:

More Air Fryer Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking:

More Gluten-Free Appetizers to Complement Your Meal:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 40 minutes
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  Yield: 4 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hot, spicy and full of flavor, these air fryer buffalo chicken bites are the perfect appetizer, finger food or snack. Serve these as a tasty snack at Super Bowl or Game Day gatherings, or any party. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

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For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/3 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/3 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons gluten-free Sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter

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Instructions

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the cornstarch, salt, ground cayenne pepper, white pepper, and granulated garlic until combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor for your **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**.
2. Coat Chicken with Condiments: Transfer the diced chicken fillet to a bowl and mix thoroughly so that each piece of chicken is fully coated with the condiment mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior and maximum flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Grease the air fryer basket with olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 380F (193°C). Once preheated, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Fry at 380F for 15 minutes, using kitchen tongs to turn the chicken over half-way through. (Note that after 15 minutes, the chicken fillet will be completely ready and cooked through. It is important not to dry out the chicken fillet, so avoid overcooking.)
4. Prepare Buffalo Sauce: Pour both the gluten-free Sriracha sauce and Frank’s RedHot sauce into a saucepan, and add the dairy-free butter. Heat up the mixture over medium heat, stirring it until you get a homogeneous mixture.
5. Mix Cooked Chicken with Sauce: Transfer the air-fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the prepared buffalo sauce and mix, coating the chicken on all sides with the sauce. Continue to heat the chicken for another 3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious **buffalo chicken bites** immediately with crisp vegetable crudités (such as carrot sticks or celery sticks) and enjoy as a fantastic appetizer or snack!

Notes

Chicken: For these **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**, you can use any chicken part that you like, such as boneless chicken breast for a leaner option or flavorful chicken thighs for a richer taste. Just make sure to remove any bones and skin before cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy texture on the chicken. If you are allergic to corn or prefer an alternative, you may easily swap out the cornstarch for an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot starch. Both provide a similar light, crisp coating.

Ground Cayenne Pepper: To add an extra layer of heat and a vibrant spicy kick to these **buffalo chicken bites recipe**, I’ve included a pinch of ground cayenne pepper. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor with a hint of warmth, you may also use ground paprika instead. Adjust the amount to your personal spice preference.

Ground White Pepper: While ground white pepper provides a subtle, unique flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, ground black pepper will work as a readily available substitute without significantly altering the overall taste.

Granulated Garlic: I like adding granulated garlic for more intense and evenly distributed flavor throughout the chicken coating. Alternatively, you may also use garlic powder if you prefer, as it serves a similar aromatic purpose.

Olive Oil: I used olive oil for greasing the air fryer basket, which helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness. However, you may also use another high smoke point vegetable oil such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. A nonstick cooking spray is also a convenient option.

Sriracha Sauce: For those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is essential to make sure you use a certified gluten-free Sriracha sauce to keep these buffalo chicken bites safe for consumption. Always check the label.

Frank’s RedHot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot sauce is the quintessential and signature main ingredient in authentic buffalo sauce, providing its characteristic tang and heat. For the most genuine buffalo flavor, I strongly recommend against substituting it.

Butter: To keep this recipe completely **dairy-free**, I used dairy-free butter. If you are not lactose-intolerant or have no dairy restrictions, feel free to use regular unsalted butter instead; it will work perfectly fine.

Storing: To store any leftover **air fryer buffalo chicken bites**, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, use the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some crispness, or the microwave for a quick warm-up.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American