If you’re craving the perfect flavorful punch in a simple, protein-packed bite, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe are about to become your new go-to dish. Juicy ground chicken melds effortlessly with vibrant buffalo heat and a cooling, herbaceous spicy ranch, creating patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch, game day snack, or a casual dinner, this recipe brings together ease and excitement in every bite. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe, it will be hard to resist making it over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white speckled plate at the center holds a pink block of ground chicken with visible ridges. Surrounding the plate are small white bowls and wooden small bowls, each filled with different ingredients: a bright yellow whole raw egg yolk in a white bowl at the bottom left, creamy white mayo with smooth texture in a white bowl at the center bottom, white almond flour in a wooden bowl at the top right, finely chopped bright green onions in a wooden bowl at the middle right, and finely chopped white onion in a wooden bowl at the bottom left. There are also small white bowls with beige ranch seasoning, golden yellow melted butter, pale yellow lemon juice in half a lemon, orange buffalo sauce in a small white bowl with ruffled edges, white plant-based milk, light brown vinegar, a small bowl of brown garlic and onion powder, and a small white bowl with white salt and black pepper mixed. The background is a white marbled surface with a woman’s hand holding the lemon half at the left edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet expertly chosen to lend the perfect balance of moisture, spice, and texture. From the ground chicken’s lean protein to the almond flour’s light binding power, each item plays an essential role in crafting flavorful patties that cook beautifully in the air fryer.

2 pounds ground chicken: Choosing fresh ground chicken ensures juicy, tender patties with a mild flavor that carries the buffalo zing well.
1 large egg beaten: Acts as a natural binder that helps your patties hold their shape perfectly.
1/3 cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness while absorbing moisture for the right texture without gluten.
1 tsp garlic powder: Brings aromatic depth and warmth to each bite.
3 tbsp Franks Hot Sauce: Or your favorite buffalo sauce, the soul of that classic spicy kick.
1/2 sweet onion diced: Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to balance the heat.
1/4 cup green onions: Fresh and grassy, these give a vibrant color and flavor boost.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
1 tsp mayonnaise: Keeps the patties moist and adds richness.
1/2 tsp black pepper: A gentle heat that complements the spicy buffalo taste.
1 tbsp ghee or vegan butter: For frying when using the skillet method, adds a buttery richness.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by placing the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and diced onions, stirring until well incorporated. This is where your base flavor layer is built, so mixing everything evenly is key to delicious patties with consistent seasoning.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Binder

Next, stir in the Franks Hot Sauce, the beaten egg, mayonnaise, and almond flour. Mixing these in with a spoon until the mixture is uniform ensures every patty will have that signature buffalo heat and hold together beautifully without being dry.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Roll your chicken mixture into 8 larger or 12 smaller balls. Then, place them on a plate or parchment paper, ready to be flattened. This step preps the patties for cooking so the shape is consistent and perfect for eating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Patties

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken balls inside and press down gently with a spatula to form patties. Cook for 14 minutes total, flipping halfway through, so both sides get beautifully crispy. Be sure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F before enjoying.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe

A close-up image of six golden-brown patties with a slightly crispy texture, stacked on a white plate. One patty is split in half, showing a soft, flaky inside with a light orange color, held by a woman's hand at the top center. Thin white sauce lines are drizzled over the patties, and fresh green sliced scallions are scattered on top for color contrast. In the background, a white bowl filled with light pink dipping sauce is visible on the right edge, and two lemon wedges rest at the top-left corner on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of the homemade spicy ranch dressing is essential to mellow out the heat while adding fresh herbaceous notes. Sprinkle extra green onions on top for a crisp, vibrant finish that makes every bite visually appealing.

Side Dishes

These patties pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks, tangy coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries. Any side that adds a contrast in texture or a cool refreshing bite will complement the spicy richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a light lunch, serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties wrapped between crisp lettuce leaves. Alternatively, tuck them into a soft bun with pickles and tomato slices for a spicy, tangy sandwich experience that will impress everyone around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This will keep them fresh and ready for a quick meal or snack, with all those delicious buffalo flavors intact.

Freezing

To freeze, store the patties separately from the spicy ranch dressing in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can reheat them whenever hunger strikes without compromising texture or taste.

Reheating

Reheat the patties in the oven or microwave until warm, then drizzle with spicy ranch for freshly made flavor. Using the oven will help restore some crispiness to the exterior, making them taste just as good as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will deliver a similar texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe with a slight twist.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

The patties themselves are dairy-free if you use ghee or vegan butter for frying. Just be mindful that the spicy ranch dressing contains mayonnaise and dairy-based ingredients unless you swap those for dairy-free options.

How spicy are these patties?

These patties have a moderate heat level from the buffalo sauce, balanced by the creamy spicy ranch. You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! The almond flour ensures the patties are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters looking for big flavor.

How long do the patties take to cook in the air fryer?

Cooking time is approximately 14 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through for even crisping. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm they are fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the combination of spicy buffalo flavor and creamy ranch wrapped in a perfectly cooked chicken patty. This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe is a fun, flavorful twist on classic comfort food that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. Whether you’re feeding the family or nursing a game day craving, give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with every spicy, saucy bite.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Patties with Spicy Ranch Recipe