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

Description

Crispy and flavorful, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Coated in a perfectly seasoned crust and tossed in your favorite buffalo sauce, they are simple to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a main dish, these chicken tenders deliver just the right amount of spice. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a dish everyone will love!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dry Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Egg Mixture

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon hot sauce

For the Chicken

1 pound chicken tenderloins
2-4 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
Olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer
If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 400°F to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Dry Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates the seasoning mix that gives the tenders their crispy crust.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and hot sauce until fully combined. This will help the dry coating adhere to the chicken.
Coat the Chicken
Working one at a time, coat each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess. Then, dip the tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return it to the flour mixture, pressing gently to pack the flour on and form a crust. Shake off any extra flour.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket generously with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated tenders in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook the Tenders
Spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray to ensure there are no dry patches. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. After flipping, spray the tops again with olive oil spray. The tenders are ready when golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Toss with Buffalo Sauce
Once cooked, place the tenders in a large bowl. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of buffalo sauce (depending on your spice preference) and gently toss to coat. Alternatively, brush the tenders with the sauce if you prefer a lighter coating.
Serve
Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts cut into long strips in place of chicken tenderloins.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by using different buffalo or hot sauces.
For a milder version, omit the hot sauce from the egg mixture.
The tenders may stick to the basket mid-way. Use a spatula rather than tongs to flip them for easier handling.
Pair these with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor. Popular options include ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 240
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg