Description: Air-Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders offer all the crispy, spicy goodness of traditional buffalo wings without the added fat of deep frying. The chicken is coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce and air-fried to perfection, making these tenders crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With the right balance of heat and flavor, they make a perfect snack or meal for any occasion, especially for game days or casual dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, to mix with buffalo sauce for extra richness)
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy during the air frying process.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs and finally coat it in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Air-fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Buffalo sauce coating: While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo sauce until smooth. Adjust the level of heat by adding more buffalo sauce if desired.
- Toss in buffalo sauce: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, place them in a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently until the tenders are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. Pair with celery sticks for a classic touch.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 4 (approximately 4-5 tenders per person)
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 900-1000mg (depending on buffalo sauce)
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Key Notes:
- Buffalo Sauce: For a milder flavor, you can use a reduced-sodium buffalo sauce or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Crispy Texture: Using Panko breadcrumbs creates a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip the breading altogether and air fry the chicken tenders with just the seasoning.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour and Panko-style breadcrumbs.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, or even a yogurt-based dip are great to pair with these tenders.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.