Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course, look no further than buffalo chicken tenders made in an air fryer. This recipe combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the classic tangy and spicy flavors of buffalo sauce. The best part? You can achieve all of this with much less oil and mess using an air fryer!
Using an air fryer to make buffalo chicken tenders is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires much less oil to achieve the same crispy result. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. This means you can enjoy your favorite buffalo chicken tenders without the guilt of excessive oil and calories.
To make buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: chicken tenders, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, and your favorite buffalo sauce. Start by coating the chicken tenders in flour, then dip them in beaten eggs, and finally, coat them in bread crumbs mixed with your preferred seasonings.
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature and cooking time, usually around 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and toss them in a bowl with buffalo sauce, coating them evenly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dinner idea, or simply craving buffalo chicken tenders, making them in an air fryer is a game-changer. With its ability to produce crispy and delicious results with less oil, the air fryer is a must-have kitchen appliance for any buffalo chicken lover.
Preparing the chicken tenders
Before you start making Buffalo chicken tenders in the air fryer, you need to prepare the chicken. Here’s how to do it:
1. Trim and cut the chicken breasts
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Then, cut each chicken breast into long, thin strips, about 1 inch wide. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy in the air fryer.
2. Season the chicken
Next, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to taste, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Dip the chicken in flour mixture
In a separate bowl, prepare a mixture of all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. This will help the chicken develop a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
4. Dip the chicken in egg mixture
In another bowl, beat an egg and mix it with a tablespoon of milk. Dip each flour-coated chicken tender into the egg mixture to provide a sticky base for the next step.
5. Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs
In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs. Using one hand, take each chicken tender from the egg mixture, letting any excess liquid drain off, and place it into the breadcrumbs. Use your other hand to coat the chicken evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders until they are all coated with breadcrumbs.
Now that your chicken tenders are prepared, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Be sure to preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions before adding the chicken.
Coating the chicken tenders
Now that the chicken tenders are seasoned, it’s time to coat them in a crispy breading. This will give them that signature crunch that we all love.
In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs. This will act as the binder for the breading.
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure to coat each side evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the flour-coated chicken tender into the beaten eggs, again making sure to coat each side.
To finish off the coating process, place each chicken tender back into the flour mixture. This double coating will create an extra crispy texture.
Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each tender for the air to circulate.
Continue this process until all the chicken tenders are coated and ready to be air fried.
Once the coating is complete, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Preheating the air fryer
Before starting to make buffalo chicken tenders in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the correct temperature and allows the food to cook evenly. Here are the steps to preheat the air fryer:
- Place the air fryer on a stable and heat-resistant surface.
- Plug in the air fryer and turn the temperature dial to the desired temperature for cooking the chicken tenders.
- Set the timer for 5 minutes to allow the air fryer to preheat.
- During the preheating process, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer without any food inside.
- Once the preheating is complete, the air fryer will beep or indicate that it is ready for cooking.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on preheating the specific model of the air fryer being used, as different models may have slightly different preheating times and temperature settings. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the buffalo chicken tenders will be cooked to perfection and will have a crispy exterior.
Cooking the chicken tenders
To cook the buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer, begin by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken tenders. Dip each tender into a bowl of beaten eggs, ensuring that it is fully coated. Then, coat the chicken tenders in a mixture of breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Once the chicken tenders are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken tenders are ready when they are crispy and golden brown.
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the buffalo chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside some crispy fries for a delicious meal.
Checking the chicken tenders for doneness
Once the chicken tenders have been cooking in the air fryer for the recommended time, it’s important to check for doneness before serving. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Here are a few ways to check if the chicken tenders are done:
1. Visual check
Take a look at the chicken tenders and see if they have reached a golden brown color. The external appearance should be crispy and well-cooked.
2. Temperature check
Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of a chicken tender. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken. If the temperature is lower, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.
You can also cut into a chicken tender to check if the juices run clear. If the juices are clear and there is no pinkness, the chicken is most likely done.
| Doneness Test | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium Rare | 135°F (57°C) |
| Medium | 145°F (63°C) |
| Medium Well | 150°F (66°C) |
| Well Done | 160°F (71°C) |
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful chicken.
Serving and enjoying the buffalo chicken tenders
Once the buffalo chicken tenders are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. These tender and crispy chicken pieces are bursting with flavor and make for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Here are a few ideas on how to serve and enjoy the buffalo chicken tenders:
- Classic Buffalo Style: Serve the chicken tenders with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Dip the tenders in the dressing and enjoy the combination of spicy, tangy flavors.
- Loaded Buffalo Fries: Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on top of a bed of crispy french fries. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. This dish is perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Place a few buffalo chicken tenders in a tortilla wrap along with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a quick and satisfying meal. This makes for a great lunch or dinner option.
Whether you choose to serve them as a standalone dish, on top of fries, or in a wrap, these homemade buffalo chicken tenders are sure to be a hit among family and friends. Make sure to prepare some extra because they will disappear quickly!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer?
To make buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer, you will need chicken tenders, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, buffalo sauce, and any desired seasonings.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat such as chicken breasts or even fish fillets if you prefer.
How long do I need to cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer?
The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders, but generally, you will want to cook them for about 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I make the buffalo sauce from scratch?
Yes, you can make the buffalo sauce from scratch by combining hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and any desired additional seasonings.
What side dishes would go well with buffalo chicken tenders?
Some popular side dishes to serve with buffalo chicken tenders include celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing, a side salad, or some crispy fries.
