Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you're a fan of spicy, crispy chicken and love easy air fryer recipes, you're in for a treat! My Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. These tenders are perfect for game day, a quick dinner, or anytime you're craving buffalo recipes. With simple ingredients and a cooking time of just 12 minutes, this is a recipe the whole family will love.
More Chicken Recipes to Try: 3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets, Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, Persian Chicken Kabob, + Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings!
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Why I Can’t Stop Making These Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken strips are a timeless favorite, and making them in the air fryer takes them to a whole new level. They're coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, air-fried to golden brown perfection, and finished with tangy buffalo sauce. Plus, they’re healthier than deep-frying but still deliver that crispy texture we all crave.
These tenders are also low-carb and paleo, making them perfect for almost any diet! Since there’s no breading, they’re light and stay fresh for a few days, which makes them great for meal prep. I love making a batch on Sunday—my husband takes a few to work throughout the week for a quick and satisfying snack. It’s also so easy to make and quick in the air fryer! In just 12 minutes, you get chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all without using oil. It’s a much healthier alternative to deep frying, and the results are just as delicious!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
It takes less than 30 minutes to make.
You can make a big batch to have throughout the week!
Great for beginners because it only takes a few simple ingredients & it’s easy to make!
It’s juicy on the inside!
They are gluten-free and nut-free!
Perfect on top of a simple salad for the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders:
1 lb chicken tenders
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (+ more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Parsley for garnish (optional)
Jazz's Recommended Products For This Dish!
These are my go-to favorites for making the best Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders:
Cosori Air Fryer: This is the air fryer I use to get those tenders perfectly crispy every single time.
Buffalo Sauce: My favorite sauce for that tangy, spicy kick we all love.
Avocado Oil Spray: I always use this for an even, light coating that makes the tenders extra crispy.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until mostly smooth.
2. Add your chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat. Let them marinate for 10 minutes up to 24 hours. If marinating longer than 15 minutes, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Otherwise, leave them on the counter.
3. After marinating, coat each tender in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 4 minutes.
5. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray (I prefer avocado oil).
6. Place the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray them with avocado oil.
7. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders are ready when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
8. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before enjoying!
9. Finish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Oven Directions
If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! These buffalo tenders can also be baked:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until mostly smooth.
Add your chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat. Let them marinate for 10 minutes up to 24 hours. If marinating longer than 15 minutes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Otherwise, leave them on the counter.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with avocado oil spray.
Coat each tender in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching each other to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray with avocado oil spray.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They are ready when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Once done, let them cool before enjoying!
Finish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Jazz's Tips to Make Sure They’re Crispy!
Don’t skip the preheating! I tested it both ways, and preheating is key for getting that crispy texture. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Coat that chicken well in panko breadcrumbs. Press them in gently so they stick and give you that crunch we all crave.
Spray those tenders with avocado oil! It’s the secret to getting them golden and crispy. You won’t regret it.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Give each tender some breathing room so the hot air can do its job. If they’re too close together, you’re not getting that perfect crisp.
Every air fryer is different, so if your tenders aren’t crispy enough after 12 minutes, just pop them back in for a couple more. Totally worth it!
Follow these tips and you’ll have crispy tenders that are practically begging you to take a bite!
What to Eat With Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Here are some ideas to make these tenders a complete meal:
Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy Buffalo flavor.
Loaded Potato Skins: Cheesy, crispy, and hearty—yum!
Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food to pair with spicy chicken.
Garlic Smashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting side to mellow the spice.
Celery and Carrot Sticks with Ranch: A classic combo that adds crunch and cools the heat.
Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy and creamy slaw offsets the spice beautifully.
And of course, these tenders are perfect for:
Serving over a fresh salad or in my Copycat Cheesecake Factory Skinnylicious® Chopped Salad!
Meal prep: Enjoy them throughout the week for a delicious and easy meal
Make It Your Own!
Adjusting the spice level is easy with a few simple swaps. Here’s how you can customize your buffalo chicken tenders to suit your taste:
My Go-To Sauce: I personally love using Primal Kitchen Buffalo Sauce for a clean, flavorful kick. It’s made with simple, quality ingredients and delivers a punch without any artificial additives.
Sweet and Spicy: If you prefer a balance of flavors, try Primal Kitchen Organic Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. It combines heat with a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet and spicy combo.
FAQs
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Yes, you can! Slice chicken breast into strips to mimic chicken tenderloins. Adjust cook times slightly based on thickness.
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Swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This adjustment makes the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
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Reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 3-4 minutes to revive their crispiness.
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You can store leftover buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken tenders for up to 24 hours in the fridge. If you want to make them ahead for meal prep, just cook them, then store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
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To ensure they’re fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will guarantee your chicken is both safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
This buffalo chicken tenders air fryer recipe is the easiest way to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken without the need for deep frying. Whether you’re making them for an easy dinner or a game day snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to grab some ranch dip or blue cheese dressing for dipping—and enjoy every crispy, spicy bite! With a simple and flavorful marinade, these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders will become your new favorite, easy weeknight meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (+ more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until mostly smooth.
- Add your chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat. Let them marinate for 10 minutes up to 24 hours. If marinating longer than 15 minutes, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Otherwise, leave them on the counter.
- After marinating, coat each tender in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 4 minutes.
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray (I prefer avocado oil).
- Place the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray them with avocado oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders are ready when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool before enjoying!
- Finish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until mostly smooth.
- Add your chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat. Let them marinate for 10 minutes up to 24 hours. If marinating longer than 15 minutes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Otherwise, leave them on the counter.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with avocado oil spray.
- Coat each tender in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching each other to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray with avocado oil spray.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They are ready when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Once done, let them cool before enjoying!
- Finish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
For a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional chicken tenders, try this Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe! Made with tender chicken strips coated in a crispy breading and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for game day or an easy dinner for the whole family to enjoy!