Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders – Crispy and Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon melted butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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If you’re craving a crispy, juicy, and flavorful snack or meal, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice! These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the air fryer. Tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. The best part? You can make these delicious tenders in less than 30 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

This air fryer buffalo chicken tenders recipe is simple to follow, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even game day snacking. Let’s dive into the details on how to make the best buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer—crispy, easy, and utterly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Only 30 minutes to make!
Crispy Texture – Enjoy the crunch without deep-frying.
Healthy – Lower in calories compared to traditional fried chicken tenders.
Perfect for Meal Prep – These tenders are great for preparing ahead of time and reheating later.
Customizable Spice – Adjust the heat by using mild or extra-spicy buffalo sauce.
Kid-Friendly – A dish that’s perfect for picky eaters, and they’re easy to dip in their favorite sauces!

This recipe gives you the best way to make buffalo chicken tenders at home, offering a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need for the best crispy buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer:

1 lb chicken tenders – Fresh or frozen, boneless, skinless
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – For coating (use almond flour for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory flavor
1 teaspoon onion powder – Balances the flavors
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a smoky kick
1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance flavor
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds spice
1 egg – For the egg wash
1 tablespoon milk – To thin the egg wash
1 cup breadcrumbs – For a crispy coating (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Your favorite brand or homemade
1 tablespoon melted butter – To combine with the buffalo sauce for richness
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders – Crispy & Healthy Recipe — Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders – recipesbysophia.com

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Coatings

In three shallow bowls, prepare your coatings:

Flour Mixture: In the first bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk.
Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, place 1 cup breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
Dip the coated tender into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your chicken tenders, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While the tenders are cooking, mix together 1/2 cup buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a bowl. Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Extra Crispy Texture: If you prefer your tenders to be extra crispy, air fry them for an additional 5 minutes after flipping.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce. Add cayenne pepper to increase the heat level if desired.
Double Coat the Chicken: For an even crispier crust, coat the chicken tenders twice—once in the flour mixture, once in the breadcrumbs.
Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard for added flavor.
As a Salad Topping: Add the crispy buffalo chicken tenders on top of a fresh salad for a complete meal.
In a Wrap: Roll the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch.
With Sides: Pair with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe):

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store the leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs – Optimized for Voice Search

Can I freeze air fryer buffalo chicken tenders?

Yes! After cooking, let them cool, then freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

You can use BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a teriyaki glaze to coat the tenders for a different flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen chicken tenders can be cooked in the air fryer, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Make sure the tenders are fully cooked and crispy before serving.

Related Recipes

If you love these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, check out these related recipes:

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make the best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, it’s time to get cooking! This crispy, flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner, a snack, or a game day appetizer, these tenders are sure to impress.

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below—do you like your buffalo chicken tenders mild or spicy? If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on social media!