Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs Chicken Thighs (raw boneless and skinless); 1/4 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt (optional); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; 2 tbsp Avocado oil; 1/3 cup Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce; 1 tbsp Butter (unsalted)

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs make weeknight dinners effortless and delicious. Boneless, skinless, and coated in a spicy, tangy homemade buffalo sauce, these tender chicken thighs are ready in under 30 minutes.

Five air fryer buffalo chicken thighs with creamy dipping sauce and celery sticks stacked on a plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this air fryer buffalo chicken recipe for a few simple reasons:

Simple ingredients: Just chicken, everyday spices, and a quick homemade buffalo sauce.
Perfectly cooked every time: The air fryer gives the chicken a great texture while keeping it juicy inside.
Fast weeknight dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make tender, flavorful air fryer boneless chicken thighs with a delicious buffalo kick. Grab the exact amounts from the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Chicken & Seasonings

Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: choose fresh or thawed; they cook quickly and stay juicy in the air fryer.
Black Pepper
Smoked Paprika: gives a mild smoky depth that pairs beautifully with buffalo flavor.
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Avocado Oil: a high-heat oil that helps the chicken brown and keeps it tender. Olive oil also works.

Buffalo Sauce

Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce: the classic buffalo base that delivers tangy, spicy flavor.
Unsalted Butter: melts into the sauce to create a smooth, rich coating without adding extra salt.

ingredients to make air fryer buffalo chicken thighs

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Making boneless, skinless buffalo chicken thighs is simpler than you might think. Follow this photo guide to see how a few simple steps turn tender chicken and a quick buffalo sauce into a flavorful, weeknight-ready meal.

Season the Chicken

Mix your spices together, then toss the chicken thighs with the spice blend and avocado oil. Preheat the air fryer while you coat the chicken to save time.

seasoned chicken thighs mixed with oil and spices

Cook & Prep the Sauce

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer and cook until tender. While it cooks, whisk together your buffalo sauce ingredients.

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seasoned boneless and skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer; buffalo sauce in a bowl

Toss & Serve

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Serve immediately, with any extra sauce on the side for dipping.

boneless skinless chicken thighs tossed with buffalo sauce in a bowl

Pro Tips That Save Time & Add Flavor

Make this recipe even easier and more flavorful with a few simple techniques:

Preheat the air fryer: this helps the chicken cook evenly and develop a nice sear without overcooking.
Adjust cooking time: chicken thighs are forgiving, so an extra 2–3 minutes can give a slightly crispier finish if you like.
Slice for versatility: thinly sliced or diced chicken works great in tacos, salads, or wraps.
Customize the heat: add ghost pepper seasoning or extra hot sauce for a spicier kick. Any hot sauce will work, so feel free to experiment.
Season thoughtfully: a little extra smoked paprika or garlic powder can give you more flavor without adding extra steps.

Swaps & Variations

All of my recipes are kitchen-tested and designed to fit real life. Here are some easy swaps and ideas to customize this buffalo chicken recipe:

Protein swaps: Boneless chicken thighs work best, but chicken tenders or drumsticks can also be used.
Veggie options: Serve roasted or air-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini on the side for a balanced meal.
Budget-friendly tip: Frozen chicken thighs can work, but flip them more often in the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
More flavor: Stir in a bit of ranch seasoning or smoked onion powder for extra depth, or add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

tender air fryer buffalo chicken boneless and skinless thighs served with celery and dipping sauce

What to Serve With This

If you love these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs, you’ll also enjoy these recipes that are just as quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Ninja Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
Easy Crockpot Cabbage

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftover cooked buffalo chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended—chicken can lose its texture and juiciness.
Reheat: The air fryer is best at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to keep the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second bursts until warm to prevent the chicken from drying out.