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Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders.
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4 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

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!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer buffalo chicken, air fryer buffalo chicken tenders
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Gina Matsoukas

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

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket or trays with an olive oil or avocado oil spray.
  • Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel.
  • 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.
  • Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl large enough to fit the chicken strips and set aside.
  • Combine the flour, spices and baking powder in another shallow bowl.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk one piece at a time shaking off any excess liquid and dredge 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 depending on the model.
  • Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
  • Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes per side flipping halfway through. Work in batches if necessary until all the chicken is air fried.
  • Transfer to a plate after air frying and brush with the buffalo sauce. Best served immediately.

Notes

*Traditional buttermilk can be replaced with a combination of milk and either 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. For a dairy-free recipe, use a non-dairy milk of choice.
**Basket air fryers will require cooking in batches. This recipe will likely require 2-3 batches in order to not overcrowd the chicken while air-frying. Oven model air fryers with trays should be able to accommodate 1 - 1 1/4 pounds of chicken tenders in one batch.

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