Looking for a fast, high-protein dinner that’s as healthy as it is delicious? This air fryer buffalo chicken bowl with celery-apple slaw is crispy, bold, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it has under 500 calories and 44 grams of protein per serving.
What is it about buffalo chicken that I just can’t get enough of?
It’s bold, crispy, a little spicy, and somehow always exactly what I want for dinner.
This air fryer buffalo chicken bowl is my go-to when I want big flavor without a lot of effort. The chicken gets golden and crunchy, then tossed in buffalo sauce, and I balance it out with a fresh celery-apple slaw and a quick Greek yogurt ranch to cool everything down.
It’s high-protein, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes… which is basically all I’m asking of dinner on a weeknight.
If you’re looking for more fast, flavorful meals that don’t take a ton of effort, check out the rest of my 30 under 30 series.
- High-Protein Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowl
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- High-Protein Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
- Sticky Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Bowls
Why You’ll Love It
- High in protein with 44g per serving, so you can easily hit your protein goals
- Air fryer–friendly, which means crispy chicken without the mess
- Fast and unfussy, with simple ingredients and minimal prep
- Fresh and flavorful, thanks to the crunchy celery-apple slaw and bold buffalo sauce
- Feels indulgent, but still healthy enough to feel good about on a regular weeknight
Looking for another easy, protein-packed dinner? Try my One-Pot Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Lean, high-protein, and perfect for getting crispy in the air fryer.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create that golden, crunchy coating without needing eggs or flour.
- Buffalo sauce: Spicy, tangy, and what gives this dish its bold, crave-worthy flavor.
- Celery: Thinly sliced for maximum crunch and freshness in the slaw.
- Apple: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Greek yogurt: The base for a creamy, high-protein ranch that keeps things light.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens both the slaw and the ranch and ties everything together.
Love buffalo chicken as much as I do? This High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is a must-try.
How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Bowl
This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps, and most of the work happens in the air fryer.
Prep and air fry the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, then coat evenly with seasoned panko. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer and cook until golden and crispy, shaking halfway through.
Toss with buffalo sauce
While the chicken is still hot, transfer it to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce so it stays crisp but fully coated.
Make the celery-apple slaw
Thinly slice the celery on a bias and julienne the apple. Toss with fresh parsley and a quick vinegar-based dressing until everything is lightly coated and glossy.
Whisk the yogurt ranch
Stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dried dill, fresh parsley, and salt. Add a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you love acidic, vinegary flavors, my Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a must-try.
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Tips & Variations
- Chicken breast vs. thighs: Chicken breast keeps this recipe lean and high-protein. Boneless skinless thighs work too if that’s what you prefer.
- Extra crispy chicken: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in two batches if needed for better browning.
- Adjust the heat: Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the cayenne if you prefer less spice.
- Meal-prep friendly: Store the chicken and slaw separately and dress just before serving to keep everything crunchy.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store the buffalo chicken, celery-apple slaw, and yogurt ranch separately in airtight containers. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats best in the air fryer to bring back some crispiness.
FAQ
Totally! You can bake the chicken on a lined sheet pan at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Toss with buffalo sauce after baking to keep it crisp.
I usually use Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce because it’s tangy, not overly spicy, and gives that classic buffalo flavor, but you can use any buffalo-style sauce you like.
Absolutely. Chicken breast keeps this recipe lean and high-protein, but boneless skinless thighs will be juicier and more forgiving. Just note they’ll be slightly higher in calories and fat.
It has a noticeable kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or serve extra yogurt ranch on the side to cool things down.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bowl
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Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
- Add ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper if using. Toss until the chicken is fully coated and crumbed.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking once halfway, until golden brown and crisp.Transfer immediately to a bowl and toss with ¼ cup buffalo hot sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and ¼ tsp salt. Whisk until smooth.
- To the bowl, add 2 cups very thinly bias-cut celery, 1 julienned apple, and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley.Toss slaw with dressing until lightly coated.
- Whisk ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried dill, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and ¼ tsp salt. Add 1-2 tbsp water until you've reached your desired consistency.
- Plate buffalo chicken with celery-apple slaw and serve with yogurt ranch on the side or drizzled over top.
Nutrition
Notes
More recipes you’ll love
- 7 Easy High-Protein Lunch Ideas Ready in 10 Minutes
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- 27 Healthy High-Protein Low-Calorie Recipes Under 500 Calories
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I am such a sucker for buffalo chicken and this is such an easy and healthy way to enjoy it. A great weeknight dinner!
something this healthy shouldn’t taste this good