Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried buffalo chicken wings. These spicy chicken tenders are lightly breaded with panko crumbs and brushed with extra buffalo sauce. Dunk these crispy chicken tenders in a side of blue cheese for a quick appetizer, healthy lunch or dinner the whole family will love!
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Why These Are The Best Air Fryer Buffalo tenders!
Homemade air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a quick and easy dinner I like to make on a busy weeknight. These chicken tenders are cooked perfectly crispy and coated with a delicious hot sauce. I love a simple recipe that comes together quickly. The best part is that not only is this an easy dinner, it's also healthy because it is air-fried!
What Is Buffalo Sauce?
Buffalo sauce is a staple sauce for wings at most bars and restaurants across the United States, but what exactly is it and why is it called buffalo sauce? The story is that buffalo sauce was invented in a small restaurant in Buffalo, New York and was named after its place of origin.
Buffalo sauce is a spicy cayenne pepper sauce that has a vinegar base. It has melted butter added to the sauce to add to the rich flavor and give it a creamy texture. Traditionally, buffalo sauce is used to slather on fried chicken wings. To cool the spice, a side of blue cheese dressing is served along side as a dipping sauce along with celery sticks and carrot sticks.
Equipment Needed
PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic- is my favorite air fryer model that I use daily. If you have not invested in an air fryer for your kitchen, this is a must have appliance! I waited to purchase, thinking it was just one more thing to clutter my kitchen, but I use this everyday!
Key Ingredients
hot sauce-most true buffalo chicken fans trust in Frank's Red Hot sauce. If you have a favorite spicy hot sauce give it a try!
chicken tenders- chicken tenderloins are the small strip of meat that is attached to side of the chicken breast.
panko bread crumbs- are a Japanese bread crumb that is used similarly to regular bread crumbs. Panko is made from crustless white bread and dried into flakes for a crispier and lighter texture than regular bread crumbs.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by whisking together the egg and a tablespoon of the hot sauce in a bowl. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Dunk the raw chicken in the egg mixture and then dredge in the panko. You will want to cover the chicken with panko and press the crumbs so that it completely covers both sides evenly.
Next spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Cooking spray is not recommended for air fryers, so make sure to use just olive oil.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, so that they are not touching. This will help with the air flow which is how air fryers cook so fast and efficiently. Spray the chicken tenders with the olive oil spray lightly on the top before sliding the basket inside the air fryer.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to make this in two batches.
Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time for 10 minutes. Some air fryers require preheating, however mine does not so make sure to consult your air fryers instructional manual.
Check the chicken at the 5 minute mark and carefully flip each piece of chicken, spray with olive oil and return the basket to the air fryer to finish cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken tender to make sure it is fully cooked. According to the USDA the internal temperature for chicken should be at 165 degrees. If needed return to the air fryer for an extra 1-2 minutes.
Once the chicken tenders are finished cooking, you can mix up the hot sauce and melted butter and gently brush the tenders with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
The flavor of spicy wing sauce always pairs well with blue cheese dressing, ranch dip, celery and carrot sticks.
If you are looking for other side dishes to pair with the chicken tenders, try this Mediterranean Green Beans with Lemon Dressing or Easy Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sweet and Spicy Dressing. These are two light options to complete this low carb meal.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat return to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. This will help make the buffalo chicken strips crispy again.
Substitution Ideas
If you prefer boneless skinless chicken breast you can cut the breast into strips and still follow the recipe.
If you are on a strict low carb diet, you can omit the panko coating and the egg wash. Coat the non-breaded chicken tenders in hot sauce and air fry for the same amount of time.
Can I Make These Without an Air Fryer?
If you do not have an air fryer you can still make these chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the chicken tenders on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven and flip the chicken tenders and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Looking For Other Air Fryer Recipes? Try These!
Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings {Raw}
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Homemade Glaze
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Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup hot sauce, divided
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Check your model of air fryer and preheat if necessary.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Reserve the remaining hot sauce.
- On a plate or shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Dunk the chicken tenders in the egg mixture and then coat with the panko crumbs.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer, and space apart slightly. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to do two batches. Lightly spray the top of the chicken tenders.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and time for 10 minutes. At the half way point, flip the chicken tenders and spray again with olive oil spray. Return the basket to the air fryer.
- Cook for the remaining time and check with a meat thermometer for the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees. If needed cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Mix together melted butter with the hot sauce and brush on the chicken tenders.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dip and celery and carrot sticks.
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