Craving that perfectly crispy, irresistibly spicy goodness of buffalo chicken tenders, but without the deep-fried guilt? Look no further! This ultimate guide to making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders will transform your kitchen into your favorite sports bar, delivering a mouthwatering experience right to your table. If you’re a fan of those zesty, savory tenders served with cool ranch or tangy blue cheese, prepare to be obsessed with this incredibly simple, air fryer-friendly recipe. We’re also covering versatile options for keto, low carb, and gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this spicy sensation!
There’s something uniquely satisfying about food that packs a pleasant kick. Not the kind that makes you gasp for air, but a warmth that lingers, teasing your taste buds with every bite. These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders hit that sweet spot perfectly. They’re deliciously spicy, wonderfully tender on the inside, and boast an incredible crispy exterior, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer. Seriously, as I write this, I’m already planning my next batch!
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or simply looking for an appetizer that will impress, these buffalo chicken strips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re quick, easy, and require only a handful of common ingredients. Serve them alongside a generous bowl of homemade ranch dip or a classic blue cheese dressing, with a few crisp celery sticks for crunch. For bonus points and the ultimate game-day vibe, pair them with an ice-cold beverage.
Why You’ll Love Air Frying Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Using an air fryer for chicken tenders, especially buffalo-style, offers a multitude of benefits that traditional frying simply can’t match. Here’s why this method is a game-changer:
- Unmatched Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating an incredibly crispy and crunchy coating without the need for excessive oil. You get that satisfying crunch typically associated with deep-frying, but with a fraction of the fat.
- Healthier Alternative: By using minimal oil (often just a light spray), air-fried tenders are a much healthier option than their deep-fried counterparts. This means you can indulge in your favorite spicy snack with less guilt.
- Quick and Convenient: Air fryers cook food much faster than conventional ovens. Chicken tenders, being relatively thin, cook in under 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Easy Cleanup: Deep frying can be messy. The air fryer, on the other hand, contains splatters, and its components are often dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup significantly.
- Consistent Results: With proper technique, an air fryer consistently delivers evenly cooked and perfectly browned tenders every time.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Creating these sensational tenders requires a blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look:
- Chicken Tenders: These are usually sold pre-cut, but if you can’t find them, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick, 4-5 inch long strips work just as well. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, and Garlic Powder: This trio creates a flavorful and essential base for coating the chicken. The mayonnaise acts as a binder, helping the breading adhere beautifully without the need for a traditional egg wash. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth, while garlic powder infuses a savory aroma. This pre-coating step also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during air frying.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that ultimate crispiness, Panko breadcrumbs are non-negotiable. Their flaky, airy texture crisps up better than regular breadcrumbs, giving your tenders an incredible crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken inside.
- Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient in the breading mixture, Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that takes these tenders to the next level. You can use either finely grated shelf-stable Parmesan or freshly shredded Parmesan; both work exceptionally well.
- Buffalo Sauce: While store-bought buffalo sauce is an option, making your own elevates the flavor immensely. Our homemade version combines Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (for that authentic buffalo flavor), melted butter (for richness and smoothness), Worcestershire sauce (for savory depth), white vinegar (for tang), garlic powder, and a hint of ground cayenne pepper (for adjustable heat).
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip these!
- Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray on the breaded tenders is crucial for achieving that golden-brown, extra-crispy exterior in the air fryer. Avocado oil spray is a great choice due to its high smoke point.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delectable buffalo chicken tenders is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time.
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken for Flavor and Tenderness
Proper preparation of the chicken is the foundation of this recipe. This simple marinade ensures your tenders are packed with flavor and remain juicy.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
- Add the chicken tenders (or your hand-sliced chicken breast pieces) to the bowl. Use tongs to toss them gently, ensuring each piece is fully and evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Let the chicken “marinade” at room temperature for at least 5 minutes. For a deeper flavor infusion, you can prepare this step up to 8 hours in advance and store the covered bowl in the refrigerator. Both methods yield delicious results, but longer marination will enhance the taste.
Step 2: Crafting Your Signature Buffalo Sauce
A great buffalo sauce is the heart of this dish. Making it from scratch allows you to control the spice level and richness.
- In a small saucepan, combine the cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot), butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and ground cayenne pepper.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously as the sauce heats to help the butter melt and integrate with the other ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a high simmer.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The consistency should be coatable, not too watery. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Achieving Perfect Breading
The breading is key to the crispy texture. Follow these steps for an even and delicious coating.
- In a separate, shallow container or bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Using a fork or tongs, take one marinated chicken tender at a time. Dredge both sides of the chicken tender in the Panko breading mixture. Gently press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken with your hands to ensure a thick and even coating. This pressing action is crucial for preventing the breading from falling off during cooking.
- After each tender is fully coated, place it on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This setup allows for air circulation, which is beneficial if you need to hold them for a few minutes before air frying. If a wire rack isn’t available, a parchment-lined baking sheet or platter will also work. Repeat this process for all remaining chicken tenders.
- Once all tenders are breaded, lightly spray both sides of each tender with cooking spray. This step is vital for achieving a golden, extra-crispy crust in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Frying for Maximum Crispness
The air fryer is where the magic happens, transforming raw chicken into crispy perfection.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes, or according to your appliance’s manufacturer instructions. Proper preheating ensures immediate crisping and even cooking.
- Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the basket or on the tray of your preheated air fryer. It is absolutely crucial to leave enough space between each strip to allow for optimal airflow. Overcrowding the basket will result in steamed, rather than crispy, chicken. If your air fryer is smaller, work in batches to ensure the best texture.
- Cook the chicken tenders for approximately 6-9 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway mark (around 3-4 minutes). Flipping ensures both sides brown evenly and become uniformly crispy.
- To confirm doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a chicken tender. It must reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
- Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and set aside. Continue cooking any remaining tenders in batches until all are done.
Step 5: Coating with Buffalo Sauce and Finishing Touch
The final step brings it all together – a glorious coating of homemade buffalo sauce, lightly baked on for maximum flavor adhesion.
- Using a pair of tongs, dip each cooked chicken tender into your prepared homemade buffalo sauce. Turn to ensure it’s fully coated.
- There are two ways to proceed:
- Place the coated tender on a clean wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow any excess sauce to drip off.
- Alternatively, gently tap the tongs against the side of the sauce bowl to remove excess sauce, then place the tender directly back into the air fryer basket.
- Repeat this coating process with 3-4 more chicken tenders at a time, depending on your air fryer’s capacity.
- Once a batch of tenders is coated, return them to the preheated air fryer. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This brief “bake on” step helps the sauce adhere to the chicken and slightly caramelize, intensifying the flavor and preventing a soggy coating.
- Remove the finished tenders and repeat with any remaining batches.
Serve your hot and crispy buffalo chicken tenders immediately with a generous side of creamy blue cheese dressing or a zesty homemade ranch dip. Don’t forget some crunchy celery ribs or carrot sticks for a classic pairing!
What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These spicy, crispy tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic Dips: Blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing or dip, or even a cooling Greek yogurt dip.
- Fresh Veggies: Celery ribs, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or a mixed plate of crudités for a refreshing contrast.
- Hearty Sides: Serve with sweet potato fries (air-fried for extra crispiness!), classic French fries, or a loaded baked potato for a more substantial meal.
- Appetizer Pairings: Amp up your party spread with other air fryer favorites like jalapeño poppers, nachos, or simple chips and salsa.
- Light Salads: A crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the chicken.
Exciting Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Get creative with these variations:
- No Breading (Naked Buffalo Chicken): For a simpler, even healthier option, omit both the breading and the mayonnaise coating. Simply toss the chicken tenders with 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Air fry for 6-8 minutes (flipping halfway), then toss in buffalo sauce and return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to set the sauce. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Buffalo Chicken Bites: Cut your chicken tenders or breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) before marinating and breading. Proceed with the recipe as directed, but reduce the air frying time to 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken bites reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). These are perfect for appetizers!
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Turn these tenders into an epic sandwich! Place 2-3 buffalo tenders on a toasted brioche bun or a soft Kaiser roll. Spread with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and load with your favorite sandwich toppings like shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles, and fresh tomato slices.
- Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the Panko breadcrumbs with ¾ cup of almond flour mixed with an additional ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This swap maintains a wonderfully crispy texture while adhering to dietary restrictions. Ensure your buffalo sauce ingredients are also keto/gluten-free (check labels for added sugars or starches in store-bought sauces).
- Milder Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of ground cayenne pepper in the buffalo sauce, or omit it entirely. You can also use a milder hot sauce if preferred.
- Extra Crispy: For maximum crunch, ensure your tenders are well-sprayed with oil before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket at all costs. An extra minute of cooking time (if the chicken isn’t already 165°F) can also boost crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Here are answers to some common questions to help you master this recipe:
Chicken tenders typically take anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer set at 400°F (200°C), depending on their thickness and the specific air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of all pieces reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
No, it is not recommended to stack chicken tenders in an air fryer. Stacking significantly restricts airflow, preventing the chicken from cooking evenly and achieving that desirable crispy texture. For the best results, arrange tenders in a single layer, ensuring ample space between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary.
To thicken buffalo sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce moisture. Another effective method is to create a cornstarch slurry: mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens. Adding a touch more butter or heavy cream and then simmering can also achieve a richer, thicker consistency.
Most traditional buffalo sauces are naturally keto-friendly, as they typically consist of hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot), butter, vinegar, and seasonings. These ingredients are low in carbohydrates. However, always check the label of store-bought buffalo sauces, as some brands may add sugar, cornstarch, or other high-carb ingredients. Our homemade recipe is 100% keto-friendly.
Yes, most standard buffalo sauce recipes are inherently gluten-free. The core ingredients—hot sauce, butter, and vinegar—do not contain gluten. If purchasing a bottled buffalo sauce, it’s always wise to verify by checking the ingredient label to ensure no gluten-containing additives or thickeners have been included during processing.
While it’s possible, for best results, it’s recommended to thaw frozen chicken tenders completely before marinating and breading. Cooking from frozen might lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy coating. If you must use frozen, extend the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded and sprayed tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). The texture might be slightly less crispy than air-fried, but still delicious.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Rotisserie Style Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
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Air Fryer, Appetizer, Main Dish
American
15
15
30
8
tenders
206
kcal
Dorothy Bigelow
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Small Saucepan
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders (approximately 8 tenders)
- ¼ cup real mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Breading
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup cayenne pepper sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Metric
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir well. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat completely. Let marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a separate shallow bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Heat over medium-high, stirring until butter melts. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Bread the Chicken: One by one, dredge the mayonnaise-coated chicken tenders in the Panko mixture, pressing firmly with your hands to ensure a thick and even coating on all sides. Place breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded tenders with cooking spray.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes, following manufacturer instructions.
- Air Fry Chicken: Place 4-5 breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6-9 minutes, flipping halfway (around 3-4 minutes), until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a clean plate or wire rack and cook remaining tenders in batches.
- Coat in Buffalo Sauce: Once all tenders are cooked, use tongs to dip each tender into the thickened buffalo sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess sauce drip off briefly or tap the tongs gently.
- “Bake On” Sauce: Place 3-4 coated tenders back into the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to lightly “bake on” the sauce, allowing it to adhere and slightly caramelize. Repeat with remaining tenders.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your preferred ranch or blue cheese dressing, and fresh celery sticks. Enjoy!
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Notes
No breading: Omit the breading, as well as the mayonnaise coating. Simply coat the chicken tenders with 1 tablespoon of oil, add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes (approximately 3-4 minutes per side), then dredge in the buffalo sauce and return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Work in batches to ensure even cooking.
Keto, low carb and gluten free option: Substitute the panko bread crumbs for ¾ cup almond flour + an additional ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
tender
|
Calories:
206
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
6
g
|
Protein:
14
g
|
Fat:
14
g
|
Saturated Fat:
5
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
|
Cholesterol:
57
mg
|
Sodium:
888
mg
|
Potassium:
243
mg
|
Fiber:
0.5
g
|
Sugar:
1
g
|
Vitamin A:
248
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
43
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to making the most delicious, crispy, and perfectly spiced Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success. Enjoy creating this fantastic dish and sharing it with friends and family. Happy cooking!