Air frying has become an increasingly popular way to cook frozen appetizers and snacks quickly and easily. Franks Buffalo Bites are a popular frozen snack that can be conveniently cooked in an air fryer. But how long should you cook them to achieve the perfect crispiness without drying them out? Here is a guide to air frying Franks Buffalo Bites, including recommended cook times and temperatures.
What are Franks Buffalo Bites?
Franks Buffalo Bites are bite-sized chicken nuggets coated in a spicy buffalo style breading. They are a frozen appetizer produced by Franks RedHot, known for their hot sauce products. The nuggets are made with white meat chicken and the buffalo coating provides a tangy, moderately spicy flavor. Franks Buffalo Bites are a quick and easy snack you can cook straight from frozen.
Benefits of Air Frying Franks Buffalo Bites
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulated at high speed to cook food. It produces a crispy texture similar to deep frying with little to no oil. Here are some of the benefits of air frying frozen Franks Buffalo Bites:
- Saves time – Air frying is significantly faster than baking in the oven. Franks Buffalo Bites can be cooked in less than 10 minutes in an air fryer.
- Reduces fat and calories – Air frying requires very little oil compared to deep frying, resulting in a lower fat and calorie snack.
- Provides crunch – The circulated hot air crisps up the outside of the bites without drying them out.
- Easy cleanup – With little to no oil, air fryers are easy to wipe down after cooking.
- Convenient – Simple one-step cooking right from frozen state.
What is the Recommended Air Fry Time and Temperature?
The best air fry time and temperature to make Franks Buffalo Bites crispy on the outside while keeping the interior moist depends on several factors:
- Amount being cooked – The more bites in the air fryer, the longer the cook time.
- Appliance wattage – Higher wattage air fryers will cook faster.
- Personal taste – Some prefer extra crispy bites while others like them just lightly crunchy.
Taking these variables into account, the recommended time and temperature guidelines are:
| Amount | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10 pieces | 6-8 minutes | 370°F / 190°C |
| Half bag (14 oz) | 10-12 minutes | 370°F / 190°C |
| Full bag (28 oz) | 15-18 minutes | 350°F / 175°C |
These times are based on an average power (1200-1500W) air fryer and ensure the Buffalo Bites reach an internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C. For smaller batch cooking 5-10 pieces, use the higher 6-8 minute range. For a full bag, use closer to 18 minutes. The lower temperature for larger batches prevents over-browning.
Tips for Air Frying Franks Buffalo Bites
Follow these tips to achieve perfectly cooked Franks Buffalo Bites from your air fryer:
- Allow the air fryer to fully preheat before adding the bites.
- Cut slits in any large bites to allow hot air flow inside.
- Flip the bites halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Brush bites with a little oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
- Work in smaller batches for best results. Avoid overcrowding.
- Adjust cook times based on your air fryer wattage and personal taste.
What to Serve with Air Fried Buffalo Bites
Franks Buffalo Bites go great with typical Buffalo wing accompaniments. Cool, creamy dips help balance out the spicy coating. Here are some tasty dip and side options:
- Ranch dressing – The classic pairing for Buffalo wings.
- Blue cheese dressing – The quintessential Buffalo wing dip.
- Celery sticks – Provides crunch and cools heat.
- Carrot sticks – Another crunchy, cooling veggie option.
- Dipping sauces – Try honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
For an easy appetizer, air fry the bites and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Franks Buffalo Bites also make a great game day finger food. You can experiment with different dipping sauces like honey mustard or sweet chili sauce. Their mild spice level makes them appealing for kids as well.
Other Serving Ideas
Beyond classic Buffalo wing-style appetizers, you can also serve up air fried Franks Buffalo Bites:
- In sandwiches – Top slices of bread or rolls with bites and blue cheese dressing.
- Over salads – Sprinkle over green, potato, pasta or grain-based salads.
- In nachos – Pile on tortilla chips and add toppings like cheese, salsa and guacamole.
- In wraps – Stuff in tortillas or flatbreads with veggies and ranch dressing.
- As pizza topping – Use instead of pepperoni or other meat toppings.
Franks Buffalo Bites are highly versatile. You can add them to tacos, nachos, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more for a kick of spicy Buffalo flavor.
Are Air Fried Buffalo Bites Healthy?
While air frying is healthier than deep frying, Franks Buffalo Bites are still a processed, high sodium frozen snack. But air fried Buffalo bites can be a better option than traditional fried wings or breaded chicken nuggets. Here are some nutrition facts to consider:
- Calories – Air fried bites have around 70 calories per 4 pieces, less than deep fried.
- Fat – Air frying reduces the fat grams compared to frying in oil.
- Sodium – Franks bites contain 650mg sodium per serving. They are high in salt.
- Protein – Bites contain 8g of protein from white chicken meat.
When enjoyed in moderation alongside vegetables and other less processed foods, air fried Buffalo bites can be part of a balanced diet. Be mindful of the high sodium content and consider lower sodium dipping sauces.
Tips for a Healthier Snack
You can make air fried Franks Buffalo Bites slightly healthier by:
- Opting for lighter dipping sauces like Greek yogurt ranch instead of regular ranch dressing.
- Pairing with fresh veggie sticks instead of starchy chips.
- Spritzing bites with olive oil cooking spray instead of brushing with oil.
- Serving smaller portions as a snack or appetizer instead of a main meal.
Common Questions
Can you bake Franks Buffalo Bites instead of air frying?
Yes, Franks Buffalo Bites can be baked in the oven instead of air fried. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange bites on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking may take slightly longer than air frying but will still cook the bites evenly and crisp them up.
How long do air fried Buffalo bites last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftovers of air fried Franks Buffalo Bites will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Place cooled bites in a sealed container and store in the fridge. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven until heated through, about 5 minutes at 350°F.
Can you reheat air fried bites in the microwave?
It’s best to avoid reheating air fried Franks Buffalo Bites in the microwave if possible. The microwave can make them rubbery and soggy. For best results, reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven. If reheating in the microwave, use 50% power and heat for no more than 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Do you need to flip Franks bites during air frying?
Flipping the bites halfway during air frying helps ensure they brown evenly on all sides. But it’s not strictly necessary if you are shaking or tossing the basket occasionally. Pay attention during cooking and flip any bites that seem to be browning faster on one side.
Can you refreeze Franks Buffalo Bites after air frying?
It’s not recommended to refreeze Franks Buffalo Bites or any prepared frozen foods after cooking them. The texture and quality deteriorate substantially. Cooked bites should be eaten within 3-4 days refrigerated. To preserve freshness best, allow to cool completely before storing.
Conclusion
Air frying makes enjoying Franks Buffalo Bites quick and easy with less mess and fat than frying. Cook times around 8-18 minutes at temperatures of 350-370°F produce hot and crispy bites. Smaller batches require less time compared to larger amounts. Flip and shake the bites during cooking for even browning. Pair Buffalo bites with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip and crunchy veggies for a delicious game day appetizer. While not the healthiest snacks, air fried bites are lower in fat and calories than heavily fried versions, especially when enjoyed in moderation.