Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders: 5 Reasons to Love Them

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders: 5 Reasons to Love Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 1, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, have you ever tried *air fryer buffalo chicken tenders*? Let me tell you, they’re a game changer! Imagine biting into crispy, golden tenders that are bursting with that spicy buffalo flavor, all without the guilt of deep frying. I mean, who wouldn’t love that? I first whipped these up for a casual game night, and wow, they disappeared faster than I could say “buffalo sauce!” Everyone was raving about how crunchy they were on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, they come together in no time, making them perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer. Seriously, once you make these, you’ll find yourself craving them on the regular. And don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen; I’ll guide you through every step. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients List

To make these irresistible air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound chicken tenders: Fresh and tender, these are the stars of the dish!
1 cup breadcrumbs: For that delightful crunch. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup flour: This helps the egg adhere and gives the tenders a nice coating.
2 eggs: Beaten, they act as the glue to hold everything together.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The key ingredient that brings all the flavor. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and a touch of color.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the wonderful flavors!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering air fryer buffalo chicken tenders! Follow these steps for a crispy, delicious treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your tenders start cooking immediately, giving you that perfect crunch. While that’s happening, grab your chicken tenders and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every tender is coated well—this is where the flavor begins!

Next, set up your dredging station. You’ll need three shallow bowls. In the first, add the flour. In the second, beat the two eggs until they’re nice and frothy. And in the third, place your breadcrumbs. Now, take each seasoned chicken tender, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each tender is fully covered; this is what makes them so crispy!

Once all your tenders are coated, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; you want the air to circulate freely for that crispy finish. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

As soon as they’re out of the fryer, toss those tasty tenders in a bowl with the buffalo sauce, making sure each piece is coated in that spicy goodness. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces—trust me, you’re going to love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Delicious: These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders have that perfect crunch without the extra oil—just pure, mouthwatering flavor!
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 15 minutes and a cook time of 12, you can whip these up in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce, catering to your taste buds and those of your guests.
Healthier Option: Air frying means less guilt and fewer calories compared to traditional frying, so you can indulge without the extra fat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a party, these tenders are sure to impress and satisfy everyone!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer buffalo chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips. First, don’t skip the seasoning step—properly seasoning the chicken before breading is crucial for flavor. Also, make sure to preheat your air fryer; this helps achieve that coveted crispiness. If you want an extra crunch, consider double coating the tenders by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps. And remember, avoid overcrowding the basket! This can lead to uneven cooking. Finally, keep an eye on the cooking time, as air fryers can vary. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Keep in mind that the nutritional information for these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I strive to provide accurate estimates, these values are approximate. For each serving of four tenders, you can expect about 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. If you’re tracking your intake closely, it’s always a good idea to double-check the nutrition labels of the products you use to get the most precise information. Happy cooking!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and breading. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooked through.

Q2. What should I serve with air fryer buffalo chicken tenders?
These tenders are fantastic on their own, but they pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing. A side of crispy fries or a fresh salad works great too!

Q3. Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of great options out there that will keep your tenders deliciously crispy!

Q4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture!

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a hit on their own, but why not take things up a notch with some delicious sides and dips? I love serving them with crisp celery and carrot sticks; the crunch and freshness perfectly balance the spiciness of the tenders. You can’t go wrong with a side of creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven! If you’re feeling fancy, whip up a quick side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. And for those who crave a bit more indulgence, crispy sweet potato fries or classic potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser!