If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are perfect! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, they are the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, they’re healthier than deep-fried tenders since they require little to no oil.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why you’ll love air fryer buffalo chicken tenders
- Ingredients needed
- Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Tips for the best results
- Serving ideas and dipping sauces
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy & Delicious – Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crunchy texture without excess oil.
✅ Healthier Alternative – No deep frying means fewer calories and less mess.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
✅ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your preference.
🛒 Ingredients
To make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breast sliced into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot works best)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a slightly sweet balance)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
- Mix well and remove from heat.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
- Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and garnishes.
🔥 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
✔ Preheat your air fryer – This helps achieve a crispy texture right from the start.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
✔ Use panko breadcrumbs – They create a lighter, crispier coating.
✔ Spray lightly with oil – This helps mimic deep-fried crispiness.
✔ Control the spice level – Use mild hot sauce or add honey for a sweeter balance.
🍽️ What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These spicy, crispy tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips:
Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Honey mustard
- Garlic aioli
Side Dishes:
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Air fryer french fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
🥶 How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Let the tenders cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the tenders soggy.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
2. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I make these extra crispy?
Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and breadcrumbs before air frying.
4. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips before coating.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, spicy, and delicious! Whether you’re making them for dinner, game day, or a quick snack, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Plus, using an air fryer makes them a healthier, hassle-free alternative to deep-fried versions.