Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying—these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into golden, crunchy chicken that gives way to juicy tenderness inside, all coated in fiery buffalo sauce that packs just the right kick. And the best part? They’re made in the air fryer, which means less oil, less mess, and way more guilt-free indulgence.
If you’ve been craving that classic sports-bar flavor without deep frying, trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to have everyone licking their fingers (and maybe even the plate).
Recipe Origin
Buffalo chicken has been an American favorite since it was invented in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. Traditionally, chicken wings were the star, but we’re giving the same crave-worthy flavors a healthier twist by swapping in chicken tenderloins and crisping them up in the air fryer. You still get all that spicy, tangy, buttery flavor—without the deep-fried heaviness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet or plate for breading station
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce for the ultimate game day or weeknight dinner treat. Made lighter with the air fryer, they deliver all the flavor without the deep-frying mess!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 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
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and hot sauce.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and back into the flour for a double coating. Shake off excess.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cook: Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray generously with olive oil spray. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Toss in Sauce: Place cooked tenders in a large bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with more oil halfway through cooking.
- You can adjust the heat level by using mild or extra hot buffalo sauce.
- These reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, spicy chicken tenders, healthy buffalo chicken recipe
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Crispy Without Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that irresistible crunch with just a spritz of oil.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, these tenders are ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthier Twist: All the flavor of fried buffalo chicken, but lighter.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Game day snacks, family dinner, or meal prep lunches—these tenders fit the bill.
Customizable Heat: Make them as mild or as spicy as you want with your favorite buffalo sauce.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
All-Purpose Flour: The base for that crispy coating.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple, essential seasoning for the chicken.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory depth and extra flavor.
Eggs: Help the flour coating stick to the chicken.
Water & Hot Sauce: Mixed with eggs for a flavorful dredge.
Chicken Tenderloins: The star—juicy, lean, and perfectly sized for tenders.
Buffalo Sauce: That spicy, tangy finish everyone loves.
Olive Oil Spray: Helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Instructions
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F to get it nice and hot.
Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another, whisk eggs with water and hot sauce.
Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour to coat thoroughly. Shake off any excess.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil. Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Coat in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, toss tenders in buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Serve Hot: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dip.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~260 (before dipping sauces)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Classic Style: With celery, carrots, and a side of ranch or blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Tuck tenders into a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce.
Buffalo Salad: Slice tenders over crisp greens with avocado, cucumbers, and ranch drizzle.
Buffalo Wraps: Roll up in a tortilla with veggies and cheese for an easy lunch.
Game Day Platter: Serve as finger food with plenty of napkins and dipping sauces.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and store in the fridge for up to 6 hours before air frying.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked tenders in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze breaded, uncooked tenders on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes to cook time.
Variations to Try
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture.
- Mild Version: Use a honey buffalo sauce for a sweeter, less spicy coating.
- Garlic-Parmesan: Skip the buffalo sauce and toss cooked tenders in garlic butter and Parmesan.
- BBQ Twist: Toss in your favorite barbecue sauce instead of buffalo.
- Asian-Inspired: Use teriyaki or gochujang sauce for a fun flavor swap.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Lightly spray the chicken with oil for the crispiest results.
- Keep an eye on cook time—tenders are lean and cook quickly.
- Always check internal temp (165°F) to make sure they’re fully cooked.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A1: Yes, just slice them into strips about the same size as tenders.
Q2: Do I need to marinate the chicken?
A2: Not required, but you can soak in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, just use gluten-free flour or almond flour.
Q4: What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
A4: Any works—Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but choose your favorite heat level.
Q5: Can I bake them instead of air frying?
A5: Yes, bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q6: How do I make them extra crispy?
A6: Double-dip in the flour mixture or add panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
Q7: Can kids eat these?
A7: Definitely! Just use mild buffalo sauce or serve plain with dipping sauce.
Q8: Can I meal prep these?
A8: Yes, they reheat great—just air fry for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Q9: Can I use egg substitute?
A9: Yes, flax eggs or buttermilk work as alternatives for coating.
Q10: Can I freeze cooked tenders?
A10: Yes, but they’re best fresh. If freezing, reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy crispy, crave-worthy chicken. With a spicy kick, juicy inside, and that irresistible crunch, they’re perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just whenever the buffalo chicken craving hits.
Whip up a batch, grab some dipping sauce, and watch them disappear—because once you taste these, you’ll never want to go back to frozen tenders again.
