Introducing the ultimate game day snack or weeknight dinner delight: Easy Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe! These tender strips are coated in a crunchy panko crust, air-fried to golden perfection, then doused in tangy buffalo sauce for a flavor-packed kick. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a spicy treat, or simply seeking a quick and delicious meal option, these buffalo chicken tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more. Get ready to elevate your chicken tender game with this easy and irresistible recipe will be a crowd-pleaser!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THEM:
Use these quality ingredients to create delicious Buffalo Chicken Tenders that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold buffalo flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy chicken breasts are cut into strips or nuggets, providing the perfect base for these flavorful tenders.
- Flour: A half cup of all-purpose flour is used to create a seasoned coating for the chicken, along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cornstarch, and salt, adding layers of flavor and ensuring a crispy texture.
- Eggs: Three beaten eggs are used to create a binding mixture for the chicken, helping the flour mixture and panko breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken strips during the coating process.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Two cups of panko breadcrumbs provide a light and airy coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving the chicken tenders their signature crunchy exterior.
- Hot Sauce: For the spicy buffalo sauce, one cup of hot sauce is combined with melted unsalted butter and garlic powder, creating a tangy and flavorful coating that packs a punch.
WHY YOU SHOULD USE THE AIR FRYER TO MAKE BUFFALO TENDERS?
- Healthier Option: The air fryer uses less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This results in healthier chicken tenders with less fat and fewer calories. This makes it a great choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite fried foods without the guilt.
- Convenience: The air fryer cooks food quickly and evenly, cooking crispy tenders in a fraction of the time. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick and easy meal.
- Easy Cleanup: Unlike traditional frying methods that involve messy oil and grease, the air fryer is easy to clean. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatility: The air fryer can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables and seafood to desserts and snacks. This versatility makes it a valuable kitchen appliance that can streamline meal preparation and expand your culinary repertoire.
HOW TO PREPARE this easy recipe?
Time needed: 28 minutes
- Preheat your Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. - Prepare the Dredge:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cornstarch, and salt. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. - Dip Each Tender:
Using a paper towel pat the tenders dry before you begin breading. Dip each chicken strip or nugget into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder until well combined. - Arrange the Tenders:
Place the chicken strips in a single layer, not touching each other in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the tenders with non-stick olive oil spray. - Air Fry Tenders:
Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. - Dip Tenders in Buffalo Sauce:
Next in a large bowl, dip the crispy chicken tenders in the buffalo wing sauce. - Continue to Air Fry:
Return the tenders to the air fryer basket and continue to air fry for another 4-5 minutes. Air fry until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Remove and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer when they are fully cooked and place them on a wire rack.
Serve the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the spicy, crispy goodness!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It is recommended to thaw frozen chicken for this recipe because it would be difficult to bread frozen chicken. If you have breaded the chicken tenders before freezing you can use frozen chicken. However, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken tenders. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crisping.
Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior on all sides. The best time to flip would be when dipping the tenders in the buffalo sauce.
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the preferred choice. You can use bone-in chicken just be sure to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165 degrees f.
Yes, you can make the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken tenders. Preheat the air fryer to prevent the tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket. Do not use parchment paper or aluminum foil in the bottom of the basket because it will restrict the air flow.
cRISPY BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE SUBSTITUTES AND VARIATIONS:
These recipe substitutions and variations can help you create delicious buffalo chicken tenders that keep the flavors interesting and exciting.
- Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, or bone-in chicken for a different texture and flavor.
- Coating: Experiment with different coatings for the chicken, such as crushed cornflakes, seasoned bread crumbs, or almond flour for a gluten-free option. For a low-carb/keto option crushed pork rinds make an excellent crispy coating for chicken tenders.
- Sauce: While Buffalo sauce is classic, you can try a different sauce like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce for a unique twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of the Buffalo sauce by adding more or less hot sauce or incorporating additional spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or sriracha mayo, for added flavor.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN FINGERS?
Buffalo-flavored chicken tenders are versatile and pair easily with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying meal. Classic side dishes include celery sticks and carrot sticks, which provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavor of the chicken. Additionally, a creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing adds richness and helps to cool down the heat of the Buffalo sauce. For heartier options, serve the chicken tenders with coleslaw, potato salad, or a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can serve them alongside crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings for an indulgent meal. With these delicious side dish options, chicken tenders become the centerpiece of a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will love.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER BUFFALO TENDERS?
To store leftover chicken tenders, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated, flip halfway through for even reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until reheated.
CAN LEFTOVER BUFFALO TENDERS BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
To freeze leftover tenders for later consumption, allow them to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, pop them frozen in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees f. Another option is to place them frozen in a 350-degree f preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until they are crispy and warmed throughout. These reheating methods ensure you can enjoy Buffalo tenders anytime with minimal effort.
LOOKING FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Air Fryer Parmesan Cubed Chicken Breast Bites: These bites are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Once air-fried to golden perfection, these savory delights are generously sprinkled with savory Parmesan cheese, adding a delightful finishing touch to each irresistible bite
Crispy Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs: Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, these juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crispy exterior that will satisfy your taste buds. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs without the need for excess oil or frying.
Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts: Bursting with the bold tanginess of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the creamy richness of cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pepper jack cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, these chicken breasts are an absolute taste sensation.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Seasonings:
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into strips or nuggets
- ½ cup Flour
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Paprika
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 3 Eggs beaten
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 Cup Hot Sauce
- 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter melted
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cornstarch, and salt. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken strip or nugget into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the tenders with non-stick olive oil spray.
- Air Fry Tenders: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted unsalted butter, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Dip Tenders in Buffalo Sauce: Next in a large bowl, dip the crispy chicken tenders in the buffalo wing sauce.
- Continue to Air Fry: Return the tenders to the air fryer basket and continue to air fry for another 4-5 minutes. Air fry until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer when they are fully cooked and place them on a wire rack.
- Serve the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the spicy, crispy goodness!
Thia was very easy to make and tastier then in a restaurant.
I agree my boys go crazy for this recipe.