Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Transform your weeknight meals and party appetizers with the ultimate recipe for Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Forget the deep fryer; this healthier, homemade version delivers all the irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch of your favorite restaurant-style buffalo chicken, made effortlessly in your air fryer. Perfect for a quick, crave-worthy dish that everyone from kids to adults will adore.

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the glory days of chain restaurants, where an order of boneless buffalo chicken wings or tenders could disappear in minutes? That was certainly a staple for many of us, especially during our younger years. There was something undeniably comforting and utterly delicious about those deep-fried, sauce-laden bites. Back then, nutritional concerns were secondary to satisfying that immediate craving for spicy, tangy goodness.

Those carefree eating habits are a sweet memory, but our palates and health awareness have evolved. Now, as we seek more balanced ways to enjoy our favorite foods, the challenge is to recreate those beloved flavors without sacrificing the experience. That’s precisely what this recipe aims to do – deliver a healthier, homemade alternative that rivals the taste and texture of the original, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a game-changer. They capture the addictively crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that makes buffalo chicken so popular, all while using significantly less oil. You get to indulge in that signature spicy kick without the guilt or the mess of deep-frying. This recipe stands proudly alongside our best chicken wing marinade for the ultimate appetizer or main course that truly satisfies.

Key Ingredients for Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Crafting these delectable air fryer buffalo chicken tenders requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect crispy texture and bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few insights into their purpose:

• Chicken Tenders: Opt for high-quality chicken tenders for the best results. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be cut into uniform strips, ensuring even cooking.
• Buttermilk: This is a secret weapon for tenderizing chicken, just as it is in traditional fried chicken recipes. Its acidity helps to break down the proteins, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken.
• Hot Sauce (for marinade): A splash of hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade infuses the chicken with an initial layer of spice and flavor. Choose your preferred level of heat.
• Gluten-Free Flour (or All-Purpose Flour): The flour blend forms the base of our crispy coating. Gluten-free options work wonderfully for those with dietary restrictions, while all-purpose flour is a perfectly fine substitute.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder): These spices build a savory, aromatic foundation for the coating, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor and complementing the buffalo sauce. Paprika also adds a beautiful color.
• Baking Powder: This might seem unusual for a chicken coating, but baking powder is a crucial ingredient for achieving extra crispiness. It creates tiny air bubbles in the coating, leading to a lighter, crunchier crust.
• Eggs: The beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the flour mixture adhere firmly to the chicken, ensuring a robust and evenly coated tender.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling ambitious. The quality of your buffalo sauce will significantly impact the final taste.

Making Your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. For those seeking a gluten-free option, simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free flour blend for the coating. These blends are specifically designed to mimic the texture and binding properties of traditional wheat flour, making them an excellent choice for achieving that desired crispiness. If gluten is not a concern, standard all-purpose flour works perfectly well.

When it comes to dairy sensitivities, the buttermilk component can be easily adjusted. While traditional buttermilk is fantastic for tenderizing the chicken, you can create a dairy-free “buttermilk” substitute. Simply combine a non-dairy milk of your choice (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, and you’ll have a perfectly functional substitute. This method also works if you simply don’t have buttermilk on hand and prefer to use regular milk. We often employ this trick in countless recipes that call for buttermilk!

For individuals sensitive to eggs, several vegan egg replacements can be considered. Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a surprisingly effective binder and can often be used as a direct substitute for eggs in coatings. We’ve had great success using aquafaba for crispy coatings in recipes like Air Fryer Green Bean Fries and Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries, though it’s always recommended to test a small batch first to ensure it meets your expectations for this specific recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer buffalo chicken tenders is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for an easy and delicious meal:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and achieves optimal crispiness. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or trays with a high smoke point oil spray, such as avocado or olive oil, to prevent sticking.
2. Tenderize the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which is key for a crispy exterior. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and a tablespoon of hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders, turning them to ensure each piece is fully coated. Allow them to soak for 15 minutes. This step is vital for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
3. Create the Dry Dredge: In a separate large, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour (gluten-free or all-purpose), salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder until well combined. The baking powder is your secret ingredient for an extra-crispy, almost bubbly coating.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will act as the adhesive layer for our double coating technique.
5. Double Coat for Ultimate Crispiness: This is the most crucial step for achieving that ultra-crispy texture. Remove one chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off. First, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, transfer the flour-coated tender to the beaten eggs, coating it evenly. Finally, return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double dredge creates a thicker, more robust crust that crisps beautifully in the air fryer. Shake off any excess flour once more.
6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Carefully place the double-coated chicken tenders in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket or on the trays. Ensure there is ample space between each tender to allow hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding will lead to soggy chicken, not crispy!
7. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For larger tenders or if you prefer extra crispiness, you might add another 1-2 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
8. Batch Cooking (if needed): If you’re using a basket-style air fryer, you will likely need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. For air fryer oven models with multiple trays, you may be able to fit all the chicken tenders in one go, depending on their size.
9. Sauce and Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked and gloriously crispy, transfer them to a plate or a clean bowl. Brush generously with your favorite buffalo sauce, turning to ensure every tender is well coated. For the crispiest results, serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Strips

These ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for anything from a casual appetizer to a satisfying main course. Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your meal:

• Classic Appetizer Platter: For a straightforward yet crowd-pleasing appetizer, arrange the buffalo chicken tenders alongside classic accompaniments like a creamy blue cheese dressing or a cool ranch dip. Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks provide a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the spicy chicken. Our creamy 3-herb dressing also makes an exceptional pairing, offering a fresh, herbaceous contrast.
• Hearty Main Meal: Transform these tenders into a balanced dinner by serving them with simple yet satisfying side dishes. A fluffy bed of rice, whether it’s quick 2-minute microwave rice or freshly cooked, is an excellent base. Pair it with your favorite vegetable. Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli offers an easy and delicious green vegetable option, roasting to perfection alongside your chicken.
• Fresh Salad Topper: Slice the buffalo chicken tenders and use them as a protein-packed, flavorful topping for a vibrant salad. A crisp romaine lettuce base with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes a fantastic buffalo chicken salad. For something a little different, consider a refreshing jicama salad or a creamy cucumber salad. The coolness of these salads offers a delightful contrast to the heat of the chicken. We also love a good bitter salad, like this radicchio endive fennel salad, which beautifully cuts through the richness and spice of the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps or Tacos: Shred or chop the tenders and tuck them into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dollop of your favorite dressing for quick and easy buffalo chicken wraps or tacos.
• Game Day Spread: These tenders are an absolute must for any game day gathering. Serve them hot with multiple dipping sauce options and a large assortment of crunchy vegetables. They’re just as satisfying as our Buffalo Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters, but in a more convenient, bite-sized format.

Tips to Prevent Soggy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

The goal is always ultra-crispy, never soggy! Here are the golden rules to ensure your air fryer buffalo chicken tenders come out perfectly crunchy every time:

1. Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: This is the most critical rule. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, the air cannot circulate properly, leading to steamed rather than fried results. Cook in single layers, leaving ample space between each chicken tender. If necessary, cook in multiple batches.
2. Pat Chicken Dry: Before marinating or coating, always pat the chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents the coating from adhering well and inhibits crispiness.
3. Use Baking Powder in the Dredge: As mentioned in the ingredients, a small amount of baking powder in your flour mixture helps create tiny air bubbles, which expand and make the coating lighter and crispier.
4. Double Dredge: The double-coating method (flour-egg-flour) ensures a thicker, more durable crust that stands up better to the air fryer’s heat and becomes incredibly crispy.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer is essential. Placing food into a hot air fryer ensures it begins cooking immediately, locking in moisture and kickstarting the crisping process.
6. Use a Light Oil Spray: A quick spray of olive or avocado oil over the coated chicken tenders before air frying can aid in browning and crispiness.
7. Flip Halfway: Ensure even cooking and crisping by flipping the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To enjoy your delicious air fryer buffalo chicken tenders beyond the first serving, proper storage and reheating are key:

• Storage: Any leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them excellent for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To restore their glorious crispiness, the best method for reheating is, of course, the air fryer! Place the cold tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket (do not preheat for reheating). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy to your liking. The exact time will depend on the size of the tenders and your air fryer model. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing Not Recommended: We generally do not recommend freezing this recipe. While cooked chicken can be frozen, the crispy coating often becomes soggy and loses its desirable texture upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy these fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders

These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are more than just a recipe; they’re a revelation. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Unmatched Crispiness: The carefully crafted coating and the efficiency of the air fryer create a remarkably crispy exterior that truly rivals anything from a traditional deep fryer, but with far less oil.
2. Bold Buffalo Flavor: From the hot sauce in the marinade to the final generous coating of buffalo sauce, the classic tangy, spicy flavor is front and center, satisfying even the most ardent buffalo chicken enthusiasts.
3. Customizable Spice Level: You have complete control over the heat! Choose a milder hot sauce for the marinade and buffalo sauce for a family-friendly dish, or ramp up the spice for those who crave an intense kick.
4. Healthier Indulgence: By significantly reducing the amount of oil used compared to deep-frying, this recipe offers a much healthier way to enjoy a typically indulgent dish without sacrificing taste or texture.
5. Effortless Preparation & Cleanup: Unlike the mess and lingering oil smell associated with deep-frying, preparing these tenders in the air fryer is incredibly simple. Cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
6. Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick appetizer for guests, a fun weeknight dinner, or a meal prep component, these tenders fit the bill perfectly.

If you’re a fan of these crispy chicken tenders, be sure to explore other air fryer chicken recipes. You might love this air fryer panko chicken for a different textural experience, or try a plain version with these air fryer breaded chicken tenders, perfect for customizing with your own sauces and seasonings.

More Buffalo Sauce Recipes to Try:

Can’t get enough of that distinctive buffalo flavor? Here are some other fantastic recipes to incorporate this beloved sauce into your meals:

• Buffalo Chicken Nachos
• Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
• Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites
• Buffalo Chicken Soup with Orzo

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

By:
Gina Matsoukas

Servings:
4 servings

Prep:
20 mins

Cook:
10 mins

Total:
30 mins

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Make ultra-crispy buffalo chicken tenders at home in your air fryer for a healthier alternative to the original deep fried version. Easy and crave-worthy!

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pound chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk, *see note
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend, can sub all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease the basket or trays with an olive oil or avocado oil spray.
2. Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel.
3. Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl and place the chicken in the bowl, turning to fully coat in the buttermilk mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes to tenderize.
4. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl large enough to fit the chicken strips and set aside.
5. Combine the flour, spices (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika), and baking powder in another shallow bowl.
6. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk one piece at a time, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Transfer to the bowl with the beaten eggs, turn to coat, and then return to the flour mixture for a second coating. Shake off any excess flour and place in the air fryer basket or trays, ensuring a single layer.
7. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
8. Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total), flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
9. Transfer to a plate immediately after air frying and brush generously with the buffalo sauce until well coated. Best served immediately for optimal crispiness.

Notes

*Traditional buttermilk can be replaced with a combination of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and either 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before using.
**Basket air fryers will require cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. This recipe will likely require 2-3 batches to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps properly. Oven model air fryers with trays should be able to accommodate 1 – 1 1/4 pounds of chicken tenders in one batch, depending on tray size.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SERVING
Calories: 717kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 186mg
Sodium: 2654mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Main Dishes, Appetizers

Cuisine:
American

TRIED THIS RECIPE?
COMMENT + RATE BELOW!