Buffalo Chicken Tenders – 20-Min Air Fryer Favorite
Table of Contents
Discover our irresistibly crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes using your air fryer. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day snacking. Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com for this homemade favorite and more delicious meat recipes.
Introduction
Are you craving that perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken that hits all the right notes? Look no further than these incredible Buffalo Chicken Tenders! This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. In just 20 minutes, your air fryer works its magic to create perfectly crisp tenders coated in that signature buffalo sauce we all love.
What makes these Buffalo Chicken Tenders special is their versatility – they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive game day appetizer, or even a crowd-pleasing party dish. The air fryer method gives you that delicious deep-fried taste without all the excess oil, making this recipe both delicious and smarter for your health.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, this is it. The combination of the crispy coating, tender chicken, and that classic buffalo kick creates an irresistible dish that everyone will be reaching for. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken tenders | 1.5 pounds | About 12-14 tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips) |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | For dredging |
| Eggs | 2 large | Beaten |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1.5 cups | For extra crispiness |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | For flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | For flavor |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | Adds color and mild flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | To taste |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/2 cup | Plus extra for serving |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Melted, to mix with buffalo sauce |
| Cooking spray | As needed | For air fryer |
| Ranch or blue cheese dressing | For serving | Optional |
| Celery sticks | For serving | Optional |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 tenders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 870mg |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and setting up your dredging station. This organized approach will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient for your Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and all of the paprika.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
The key to perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders is a well-executed breading process that ensures a crispy exterior.
- Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the tender into the panko mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly covered on all sides.
- Place the breaded tenders on a plate and repeat with all remaining chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer
Getting your air fryer ready is an essential step for achieving perfectly crisp Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
The air fryer is the secret to getting that crispy exterior without deep frying your Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap (you may need to cook in batches).
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip the tenders over.
- Cook for another 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the tenders are cooking, prepare your buffalo sauce mixture for those classic Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and buffalo sauce, whisking until well blended.
- If you prefer your Buffalo Chicken Tenders milder, adjust the ratio with more butter.
Step 6: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
This is where your Buffalo Chicken Tenders transform from good to amazing!
- As soon as the tenders come out of the air fryer, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- For extra-saucy tenders, you can dip them back into the sauce just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders are now ready to be enjoyed in multiple delicious ways:
- Serve with traditional sides of celery sticks and either ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Turn them into Buffalo Chicken Tender sliders by placing them on mini buns with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch.
- Chop the cooked Buffalo Chicken Tenders and add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Wrap them in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch for delicious Buffalo Chicken Tender wraps.
- Create a Buffalo Chicken Tender platter for game day with various dipping sauces, vegetable sticks, and potato wedges.
Pro Tips
For the absolute best Buffalo Chicken Tenders, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the drying step – Patting the chicken tenders dry before breading helps the coating stick better for crispier results.
- Keep one hand dry – Use one hand for the dry ingredients and one for the wet to prevent your fingers from becoming coated with a thick layer of breading.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping your Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Sauce temperature matters – Warm buffalo sauce sticks to the tenders better than cold sauce.
- Double coating option – For extra crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders, you can double-coat them by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Prepare ahead – You can bread the tenders up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator before cooking.
Variations
Change up your Buffalo Chicken Tenders with these creative variations:
Spice Level Adjustments
- Mild: Use a mild buffalo sauce and increase the butter ratio.
- Extra Hot: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture and use a hot buffalo sauce.
Coating Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the flour and breadcrumbs with a mixture of almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
- Extra Crunchy: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumb mixture.
Flavor Twists
- Garlic Parmesan Buffalo: Mix grated Parmesan and minced garlic into your buffalo sauce.
- Honey Buffalo: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy combo.
- BBQ Buffalo Fusion: Mix equal parts buffalo sauce and your favorite BBQ sauce for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Tenders in a regular oven?
Yes! Bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Can I freeze these Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Freeze them after breading but before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a popular choice, but any quality buffalo sauce will work well for these tenders.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, simply slice chicken breasts into strips about 1/2 inch thick and proceed with the recipe as written.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are more than just a meal—they’re an experience that brings together the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and tenderness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends during the big game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
The beauty of these air fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders is that they satisfy that craving for indulgent comfort food while being lighter than their deep-fried counterparts. Plus, at just 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re quick enough to make even on your busiest days.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious meat recipes on www.dailymeatrecipe.com, where we’re constantly adding new favorites for you to try. Leave a comment below to share your experience with this recipe or any variations you’ve tried—we love hearing how you make these dishes your own!
Ready to take your chicken game to the next level? Try these Buffalo Chicken Tenders tonight and discover why they’ve become a reader favorite!
