Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. They'll cook just as well, though you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness. Just make sure they reach that internal temperature of 165°F.

Why didn't my chicken tenders get crispy?

The most common culprit is not using enough oil spray. Even in an air fryer, you need some oil to achieve that golden-brown crispiness. Also, crowding the basket prevents proper air circulation. Try cooking fewer pieces at a time and be generous with that oil spray!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and cook the tenders up to a day ahead, but don't add the buffalo sauce. Store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and hot. Toss with fresh buffalo sauce just before serving.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I still make these?

Yes! These are customizable to any spice preference. Skip the hot sauce in the egg mixture and use barbecue sauce or honey mustard instead of buffalo sauce for the coating. You'll still get deliciously crispy chicken tenders without the heat.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 pound chicken tenderloins; 2-4 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference); Olive oil spray

This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken tenders that are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with that irresistible buffalo flavor we all love. The air fryer gives you that deep-fried taste without all the oil, making this a healthier alternative you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry!
Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer creates that perfect crunch without submerging your food in oil. You’ll get all the texture with a fraction of the calories.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce, making it perfect for everyone from heat-seekers to mild-flavor fans.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these tenders, especially if you go easy on the buffalo sauce.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even slice them up for salads and wraps!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Creates the base of our coating, giving the tenders that crispy exterior that seals in moisture.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The foundation of good flavor – don’t skimp here!
Garlic powder and onion powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the coating without having to chop anything.
Eggs: Acts as the glue that helps the coating stick to the chicken – the secret to a perfect crust.
Water: Thins the egg mixture slightly for better coating.
Hot sauce: Adds flavor to the egg wash, infusing the tenders with spice from the inside out.
Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show! They cook quickly and stay juicy in the air fryer.
Buffalo sauce: The signature flavor that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into something crave-worthy.
Olive oil spray: Essential for getting that golden-brown exterior and preventing sticking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Honey Buffalo: Mix equal parts honey and buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy glaze.
Garlic Parmesan: Skip the buffalo sauce and toss the cooked tenders in melted butter, grated parmesan, and garlic powder.
Lemon Pepper: Replace the buffalo sauce with a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and cracked black pepper.
BBQ Style: Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the buffalo sauce.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Keto-Friendly: Replace the flour with a mixture of almond flour and parmesan cheese.
Spice Level: Double the hot sauce in both the egg wash and coating for extra heat, or omit it completely for milder tenders.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Station

If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F now. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and hot sauce until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Take one chicken tender at a time and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Return it to the flour mixture and really pack the flour onto the tender to create a substantial crust. This double-dredging technique is what creates that amazing texture!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket generously with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch (you’ll likely need to cook in batches). Spray the tops of the tenders thoroughly with more olive oil spray – this is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color.

Step 4: Cook and Flip

Air fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the tenders. Spray the newly exposed side with more olive oil spray and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Buffalo Sauce Finish

Transfer the cooked tenders to a large bowl. Pour 2-4 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over them (depending on how spicy you like them) and gently toss to coat. For more control, you can also brush the sauce on each tender individually.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: It’s essential for getting that beautiful golden color and crispy texture. Make sure there are no dry spots before air frying.
Use a Spatula for Flipping: These tenders tend to stick a bit when flipping, even with generous oil spray. A thin spatula works better than tongs for preserving the coating.
Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for food safety while avoiding overcooking.
Work in Batches: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping. It’s worth the extra few minutes to cook in batches.
Double Coating: Don’t rush the dredging process. That second trip through the flour creates those delicious crispy bits everyone fights over.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces

These tenders are fantastic with classic dipping companions like ranch or blue cheese dressing, but don’t stop there! Try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a drizzle of hot honey.

Complete the Meal

Classic Combo: Serve with celery and carrot sticks plus blue cheese dressing for the full buffalo wing experience.
Lighter Option: Add to a crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Comfort Food: Pair with mac and cheese or loaded potato wedges for the ultimate indulgence.
Sandwich Style: Tuck into a soft roll with lettuce, tomato, and ranch for a buffalo chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the tenders without the buffalo sauce and add it right before serving.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place cooked, cooled tenders (before adding buffalo sauce) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also use an oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Microwave if you must, but you’ll lose the crispiness. Add fresh buffalo sauce after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. They’ll cook just as well, though you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness. Just make sure they reach that internal temperature of 165°F.
Why didn’t my chicken tenders get crispy?

The most common culprit is not using enough oil spray. Even in an air fryer, you need some oil to achieve that golden-brown crispiness. Also, crowding the basket prevents proper air circulation. Try cooking fewer pieces at a time and be generous with that oil spray!
Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and cook the tenders up to a day ahead, but don’t add the buffalo sauce. Store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and hot. Toss with fresh buffalo sauce just before serving.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I still make these?

Yes! These are customizable to any spice preference. Skip the hot sauce in the egg mixture and use barbecue sauce or honey mustard instead of buffalo sauce for the coating. You’ll still get deliciously crispy chicken tenders without the heat.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders bring restaurant-quality appetizers right to your kitchen with minimal effort. They strike that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, with a kick of buffalo spice that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a quick dinner, or just because you’re craving something spectacular, this recipe delivers big flavor in little time. Go ahead and make a double batch—they’ll disappear faster than you think!