Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight for Beginners

Buffalo chicken tenders are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep frying. With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crunch while keeping things light and healthy. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality taste in just over 20 minutes.

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If you’ve ever relied on frozen chicken tenders, this homemade version will make you reconsider. The combination of crispy breading, juicy chicken, and a bold buffalo sauce creates a dish that’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or meal prepping. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice level to your liking.

Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for an easy, foolproof recipe, these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders will become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive in.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

Cooking can be intimidating, especially when trying to achieve crispy textures without deep frying. This recipe simplifies the process with step-by-step instructions and a foolproof method using an air fryer. Here’s why it’s great for beginners:

• Simple Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and nothing requires advanced cooking techniques.
• Quick Preparation: The entire recipe, from start to finish, takes just 22 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Healthier Alternative: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to deep frying while still delivering crispy results.
• Foolproof Method: The recipe guides you through seasoning, breading, and cooking to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy tenders every time.

With just a few basic steps, you’ll be making homemade buffalo chicken tenders that rival your favorite restaurant’s version.

Ingredients and Preparation

A great dish starts with the right ingredients. Below is a list of everything you’ll need, along with some substitution ideas to suit your preferences.

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (about 8 pieces), tendon removed
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup dried breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ⅔ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crispiness, but if you prefer a finer texture, you can use all dried breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: If you want a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot is the classic choice, but you can use any hot sauce you prefer.
• Air Fryer Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in an oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken tenderloins, eggs, hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prepare the breading mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In another bowl or plastic bag, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, dried breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken tenderloin and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breading onto the chicken to help it stick. Shake off any excess crumbs.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures even crisping.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the tops with a light coat of oil. Air fry for 6 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until the butter melts and everything is well combined. Set aside.

Step 7: Flip and Finish Cooking

After 6 minutes, flip the chicken tenders and spray them again with a little oil. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Once the tenders are fully cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce or brush the sauce on with a pastry brush for a lighter coating.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is simple, but a few extra tips can make the process even easier:

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Chicken browns too quickly: If the tenders are browning too fast, try lowering the temperature to 375°F and cooking for a couple of extra minutes.
• Breading not sticking: Make sure the chicken is well coated in the egg mixture before dipping it into the breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
• Chicken is dry: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F but don’t go beyond that.

Kitchen Tips for Success:

• Efficient Prep: Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and faster.
• Cleaning the Air Fryer: Line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Always clean your air fryer after use to prevent buildup.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the marinade or mix the buffalo sauce with a little honey for a sweeter finish.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

• Classic Pairings: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Healthy Sides: A fresh salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or quinoa make great accompaniments.
• Comfort Food Combos: Pair with mac and cheese, garlic bread, or loaded baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe delivers great results every time.

Try it out and let us know how it turned out for you. Did you tweak the recipe to your liking? Share your experience in the comments and inspire others to give it a shot. Happy cooking!