Buffalo Chicken Fries Recipe

Bake or Air-fry fries/tots

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the crinkle-cut fries or tater tots in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet (for oven) or in the air fryer basket; avoid overcrowding. Lightly toss with 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or spray to coat. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp, or air-fry for 12–16 minutes shaking once or twice, until crispy. Remove from oven/air fryer and keep hot on the baking sheet.

Marinate chicken

Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour 1/4 cup buttermilk and 1 tablespoon hot sauce over them. Stir to coat, then let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes).

Prepare coating

While chicken marinates, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly.

Dredge and cook the chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge pieces evenly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high and add 2 tablespoons neutral oil (or preheat fryer/air-fryer). For pan-frying: add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels. For air-fryer: spray pieces lightly with oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp and cooked through.

Toss in buffalo sauce

Transfer hot crispy chicken to a bowl. Pour 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Taste and add a bit more sauce if you prefer higher heat.

Arrange the hot fries or tots on an oven-safe platter or the baking sheet in an even layer. Scatter the buffalo-coated chicken pieces evenly over the fries.

Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack over the fries and chicken. If desired, add a few small dollops of extra buffalo sauce for more heat.

Place the assembled platter under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes or return to the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Remove from oven. Drizzle 1/2 cup ranch dressing over the top or serve ranch on the side for dipping. Scatter thinly sliced jalapeño, sliced green onions, and optional parsley and blue cheese crumbles over the melted cheese.

Finish with an optional additional drizzle of buffalo sauce to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.