Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
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Satisfy your buffalo wing cravings with this easy air-frier buffalo chicken tenders recipe. This air-fried version is healthier and easier to make. Loaded with bold flavors, there is no messy frying, just crispy goodness in every bite. Perfect for game days, quick dinners,or spicy snack cravings.
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Here is what you will need to make these spicy chicken strips
Ingredient List
How to make crispy buffalo chicken tenders in the air fryer
Prepare: set up a breading station; mix the bread crumbs with garlic powder and oregano in a shallow bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water.
STEP 1. Dry the chicken tenders with a paper towel, place a chicken tender into the egg wash, and turn it until it is completely covered.
STEP 2. Place the egg-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture and turn until it is covered in breadcrumbs.
STEP 3. Repeat steps one and two until all of the chicken tenders are coated with bread crumbs and arrange them in a single layer in an air fryer tray or basket.
STEP 4. Spray the chicken tenders with Avocado oil or olive oil and place the air fryer basket in a preheated (375 degrees f) air fryer. Air fry for 8 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the air fryer.
STEP 5. While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter and mix it into the hot sauce in a shallow bowl. Place the cooked chicken pieces into the bowl with the hot sauce and butter mixture; toss to coat well.
STEP 6. Place each sauce-coated chicken tender back onto the air fryer basket and air fry for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
NOTE: Cook time can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 and is golden and crispy after the first air fry.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcrowding– Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer with enough space between them to allow the air to circulate for maximum crispiness.
- Flip halfway – Turn the tenders over halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly cooked on all sides.
- Pat the chicken dry – Before breading the chicken, pat it dry so that the egg, and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Extra Crunch – For extra crunch use panko breadcrumbs.
Recipe variations
These are perfect the way they are, but there is always another way to change a recipe. Here are some suggestions:
Low Carb – Skip the breading, and toss the chicken tenderloins in the hot sauce and butter mixture. Air fry until cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees f. (This method is also gluten-free)
Gluten-Free – Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Chicken Nuggets – Instead of strips, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks or nuggets.
Chicken – Instead of tenders, use a boneless, skinless chicken breast and serve it in a sandwich or as the main course. Note cooking time will increase, cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.
Serving suggestions
Serve air fryer boneless buffalo chicken as an appetizer on game day or any day of the week with fresh veggies such as celery sticks, carrots, and blue cheese dressing or ranch dip.
These crispy tenders also taste great for a delicious dinner with a side of air-fryer french fries and a salad.
How to store leftovers
Store leftover air fryer buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Freeze leftover room-temperature buffalo chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or your air fryer.
What to do with leftovers
I’m always thrilled when there are leftovers because there are so many creative ways to enjoy them! For a quick and easy weeknight meal, repurpose leftover buffalo tenders by adding them to your favorite salad, sandwich, pasta, pizza, egg roll, or grain bowl. You can also shred them to make a flavorful buffalo chicken dip!
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Recipe FAQs
Yes, once the chicken is coated in bread crumbs, arrange the tenders on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Turn the chicken over and bake for 4 – 5 minutes longer. Remove the chicken from the oven; coat it with the sauce, and bake for 3 to 5 minutes longer.
To reduce the heat, add a little more butter to the hot sauce or use a milder sauce. To add more heat, add a dash or two of cayenne pepper to the hot sauce.
Flour is not necessary. If you pat the chicken dry, the egg and breadcrumbs will stick to the chicken tenders.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- avocado Spray
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees f
- Whisk the egg and water together in a shallow bowl and set it aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the unseasoned bread crumbs, oregano and garlic powder and set it aside.
- Dry the chicken tenders with a paper towel. Place a chicken tender into the egg wash, and turn to coat until it is completely covered in the egg.
- Place the egg coated piece of chicken into the bowl of breadcrumbs and toss to coat the tender in crumbs.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the chicken tenders are coated in the bread crumb mixture
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on an air fryer tray or basket and spray with avocado spray. Place the chicken in a preheated air fryer (375 degrees f) and air fry for 8 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter and combine it with the hot sauce in a shallow bowl.
- After 8 minutes remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and place each chicken tender in the hot sauce and toss to coat. Place the coated tenders back onto the air fryer tray, and air fry for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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