Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch thick. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time depending on their thickness, so be sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

My coating isn't getting as crispy as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?

The secret to crispy tenders is making sure they're well-coated with olive oil spray before air frying. Also, don't overcrowd the basket - the air needs to circulate around each tender. If they're still not crispy enough, try increasing the temperature by 10 degrees or cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.

How can I make these less spicy for my kids?

For a milder version, skip the hot sauce in the egg mixture and use just water instead. When coating with buffalo sauce, you can use a milder sauce or even mix buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter to reduce the heat. Alternatively, keep some tenders unsauced and serve with honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

Can I prepare these ahead of time and cook later?

Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, spray with olive oil and air fry as directed. The coating might not be quite as crispy as freshly breaded tenders, but they'll still be delicious.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 pound chicken tenderloins; 2-4 tablespoons buffalo sauce; Olive Oil Spray

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and tender – all without the mess of deep frying! Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or game day snacking. The air fryer creates that perfect golden crust while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside, and the buffalo sauce adds just the right kick of flavor that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means you’ll get that crispy fried texture with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these tenders take just 20 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these tenders! They’re crispy, flavorful, and have that perfect balance of spice that can be adjusted to your preference.
Versatile: Serve them as a main dish with sides, add them to salads, or offer them as an appetizer with dipping sauces for your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Creates that perfect crispy coating. The base of our breading that gives the tenders their satisfying crunch.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The foundation seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the breading without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
Eggs: Act as the glue that helps the flour coating stick to the chicken, creating that perfect crispy shell.
Water: Thins the egg mixture slightly for the perfect consistency to coat the chicken evenly.
Hot sauce: Added to the egg wash for an extra layer of flavor that infuses into the breading.
Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show! Naturally tender cuts that cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
Buffalo sauce: Provides that classic spicy, tangy flavor that makes these tenders irresistible. Use more or less depending on your heat preference.
Olive oil spray: Essential for achieving that golden-brown color and crisp texture in the air fryer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Honey BBQ: Replace buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce mixed with a touch of honey for a sweet and smoky alternative.
Lemon Pepper: Skip the buffalo coating and add extra lemon pepper seasoning to the flour mixture for a zesty option.
Parmesan Garlic: Mix grated parmesan and extra garlic powder into the flour mixture, then serve with garlic aioli instead of buffalo sauce.

Heat Levels

Mild Option: Use a milder buffalo sauce and reduce or eliminate the hot sauce in the egg wash.
Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and use extra-hot buffalo sauce for heat lovers.

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Keto-Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Stations

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if required. Arrange your breading station by whisking together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in one bowl, and the eggs, water, and hot sauce in another.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken tenderloin and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off, then back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a nice crust.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops generously with more olive oil spray to ensure no dry spots remain.

Step 4: Cook and Flip

Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each tender (a spatula works better than tongs to prevent sticking). Spray the newly exposed side with olive oil and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Buffalo Sauce Magic

Transfer the hot, crispy tenders to a large bowl and drizzle with 2-4 tablespoons of buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference. Gently toss or brush to coat evenly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Double Dredge: Don’t skip the double coating in flour – this creates that extra-crispy restaurant-quality crust.
Oil Is Key: Be generous with the olive oil spray, especially after flipping. This ensures even browning and prevents dry patches.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety while preventing overcooking.
Pat Dry: Before starting the breading process, pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels for better coating adhesion.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these buffalo tenders with classic dipping sauces like cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. A side of crisp celery and carrot sticks adds freshness and crunch while honoring the buffalo wing tradition.

Make It a Meal

Turn these tenders into a complete meal by serving with air fryer sweet potato fries, a simple coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For a lower-carb option, serve over a bed of mixed greens with avocado and cherry tomatoes.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, arrange on a platter with different dipping sauces in small bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store them before adding the buffalo sauce to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

These tenders freeze beautifully! Arrange cooked, unsauced tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes. Add fresh buffalo sauce after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch thick. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time depending on their thickness, so be sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
My coating isn’t getting as crispy as I’d like. What am I doing wrong?

The secret to crispy tenders is making sure they’re well-coated with olive oil spray before air frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket – the air needs to circulate around each tender. If they’re still not crispy enough, try increasing the temperature by 10 degrees or cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
How can I make these less spicy for my kids?

For a milder version, skip the hot sauce in the egg mixture and use just water instead. When coating with buffalo sauce, you can use a milder sauce or even mix buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter to reduce the heat. Alternatively, keep some tenders unsauced and serve with honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Can I prepare these ahead of time and cook later?

Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, spray with olive oil and air fry as directed. The coating might not be quite as crispy as freshly breaded tenders, but they’ll still be delicious.

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders bring the restaurant experience right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. They’re crispy, juicy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying without the mess and calories of deep frying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for the perfect game day snack, these tenders deliver big flavor in just 20 minutes. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Air Frying2
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders deliver the perfect balance of heat and flavor with a healthier cooking method. A quick and satisfying meal that brings the restaurant experience home!

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 400°F to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This seasoned coating will create a flavorful crust around the chicken.
Make the Egg Wash: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and hot sauce until fully combined. The hot sauce in the egg wash adds an extra layer of flavor to the tenders.
First Coating: One at a time, place each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture and coat on all sides, shaking off any excess. This initial dusting helps the egg wash adhere better.
Egg Dip: Transfer the floured tender into the egg mixture until fully coated, allowing any excess egg to drip off. This creates the binding layer for the final coating.
Final Coating: Return the tender to the flour mixture and pack the flour on to form a substantial crust. Shake off any excess flour. This double-dredging technique creates an extra crispy exterior.
Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then place the tenders inside without touching each other (work in batches if necessary). Spray the tops well with more olive oil spray, ensuring there are no dry patches.
Air Fry the Tenders: Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through the cooking time. After flipping, spray again with olive oil spray. The tenders are ready when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Add Buffalo Sauce: Place the cooked tenders into a large bowl and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of buffalo sauce (depending on your spice preference). Gently toss the tenders in the sauce or brush it on for an even coating.
Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

You can use chicken breasts cut in long strips instead of tenderloins.
Use your favorite hot or buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
These are very lightly spiced. If you don’t like spice at all, omit the hot sauce in the egg mixture and use an additional 1 tablespoon of water.
Even after spraying the air fryer basket well with olive oil spray, the tenders may stick slightly during the mid-way flip. Use a spatula to turn the tenders over instead of tongs for best results.
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a restaurant-style experience.
For extra crispy tenders, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.