These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are incredibly tasty and just the right level of heat. If you love ordering buffalo tenders out, you’ll be hooked on this easy air fryer recipe. Options for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets are included.
I like food with a touch of spice—not unbearable, just enough to be addictive. These tenders hit that sweet spot: spicy, crunchy, and easy to make with a few pantry staples. They’re perfect for game day, a casual party, or a simple weeknight dinner. Serve with blue cheese or ranch for dipping and, if you like, a cold beer for extra bonus points.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: Use prepackaged tenders or slice chicken breast into strips.
- Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder: This mixture replaces a traditional egg wash and helps the coating adhere.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives the crispiest coating.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth to the breading; use grated or shredded.
- Buffalo sauce: A homemade sauce made from hot sauce (like Frank’s), butter, Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Start by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and let rest about 5 minutes; you can also refrigerate them up to 8 hours to deepen the flavor.
Making the Buffalo Sauce
Combine hot sauce, butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-high heat, stirring until the butter melts. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Breading the Chicken Tenders
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each mayo-coated tender in the panko mixture, pressing crumbs on so they adhere well.
- Arrange coated tenders on a rimmed baking sheet set over a wire rack or on parchment.
- Lightly spray both sides of the tenders with cooking spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes, or follow your model’s instructions.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 6–9 minutes total (about 3–4 minutes per side), flipping once halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove cooked tenders and repeat with remaining pieces.
Finishing: Coating in Buffalo Sauce
- Using tongs, dip each cooked tender in the buffalo sauce to coat.
- Place sauced tenders on a clean wire rack set over a rimmed sheet to drain excess sauce, or return them directly to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the coated tenders 1–2 minutes at 400°F to set the sauce.
- Repeat with remaining tenders and serve hot with blue cheese or ranch and celery sticks.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing or dip
- Celery sticks
- Crudités
- Sweet potato fries
- Loaded baked potato or French fries
- Jalapeño poppers, nachos, or chips and salsa for party variety
Variations
No breading: Skip the mayo and panko. Coat tenders with 1 tablespoon oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, air fry 6–8 minutes, then toss in buffalo sauce and air fry 1–2 minutes to set.
Buffalo chicken bites: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps, reducing cook time to 4–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Buffalo chicken sandwich: Add 2–3 tenders to a bun with blue cheese or ranch, shredded lettuce, pickles, and tomato.
Keto, low-carb, gluten-free option: Replace panko with 3/4 cup almond flour plus an extra 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
At 400°F, cook times typically range from 6–12 minutes depending on thickness. Always check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
No. Stacking restricts air flow and prevents proper crisping. Cook in a single layer and work in batches for best results.
To thicken, whisk a little cornstarch mixed with cold water into the sauce and simmer until thick. You can also add a bit more butter or a splash of cream and simmer to reduce.
Most homemade buffalo sauces are keto-friendly if they don’t include added sugar or cornstarch. Typical ingredients—hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and seasonings—are low-carb.
Most buffalo sauces are gluten-free, but always check labels on store-bought varieties to be sure no gluten-containing additives are included.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Rotisserie Style Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
An easy air fryer version of classic buffalo chicken tenders—spicy, savory, and crisp.
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders (approximately 8)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, Dijon, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add chicken to the mayo mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill up to 8 hours or let sit 5 minutes.
- Mix panko, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Prepare buffalo sauce: combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat until butter melts, bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Dredge mayo-coated tenders in the panko mixture, pressing crumbs on both sides.
- Place coated tenders on a wire rack over a sheet pan or parchment. Spray with cooking spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook tenders in a single layer for 6–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Dip cooked tenders in buffalo sauce, drain excess, then return to the air fryer 1–2 minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
No breading: Coat with 1 tablespoon oil and season; air fry 6–8 minutes, then toss in sauce and air fry 1–2 minutes.
Keto/low-carb/gluten-free: Replace panko with 3/4 cup almond flour plus 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Nutrition
Adapted From: Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Simply Home Cooked
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