Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful twist on classic chicken wings. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they make a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pound chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (see note)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (can substitute all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket or trays with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken strips and turn to coat fully. Let them soak for 15 minutes to tenderize.
4. Step 4: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl large enough to hold the chicken strips and set aside.
5. Step 5: In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and baking powder.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken pieces one at a time from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and coat again in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and place the strips in the air fryer basket or trays.
7. Step 7: Repeat the coating process with all the chicken tenders.
8. Step 8: Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
9. Step 9: Remove the cooked chicken tenders, place on a plate, and brush them with buffalo sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder option, reduce the hot sauce in the buttermilk soak or use a milder buffalo sauce.
• Substitute regular all-purpose flour if gluten-free is not required.
• Try serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
• For extra crispiness, add a bit of cornstarch to the flour mixture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders for even cooking and proper breading adherence. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting.

Can I make these buffalo chicken tenders spicy or mild?

Yes. Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buttermilk soak and the buffalo sauce brushed on top to control the heat level to your preference.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 148 reviews

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish, featuring crispy chicken tenders coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then double-coated in a seasoned gluten-free flour blend, these tenders are air fried to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a healthy twist on a classic comfort food, they deliver a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior and a spicy kick, all without the excess oil of traditional frying.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

• 1 1/4 pound chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Coating

• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (can substitute all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Sauce

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray (for greasing air fryer basket)

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket or trays with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to help the coating adhere better.
3. Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken strips, turning to fully coat them. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
4. Egg Wash: Beat the two eggs in a shallow bowl that can fit the chicken strips and set aside for coating.
5. Mix Coating: In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and baking powder for the crispy coating mixture.
6. Coat Chicken: Remove each chicken piece individually from the buttermilk, shaking off excess moisture. Dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and dredge once more in the flour blend for a double coating. Shake off any excess flour before placing it in the greased air fryer basket or tray.
7. Repeat: Repeat the coating process with all remaining chicken tenders ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
8. Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
9. Finish with Buffalo Sauce: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and immediately brush them generously with buffalo sauce. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh chicken tenders or strips cut from boneless chicken breasts.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Work in batches when air frying to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
• The coating mixture can be adjusted to include additional spices if desired, such as cayenne pepper or onion powder.
• Serve immediately after brushing with buffalo sauce to maintain crispiness.

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