Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders? Try our recipe for air fryer spicy chicken tenders! With a crispy coating and a spicy kick, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser and an easy weeknight meal. 

Looking to elevate your chicken tender game? Say goodbye to the deep fryer and welcome the magic of the air fryer (deep-fried counterpart). 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple and delicious recipe for air fryer spicy chicken tenders. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a spicy kick, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.

If you or your kids like chicken strips or air fryer chicken wings, this is a must try try. This is the best way and easiest way to get fresh chicken tenders with wholesome ingredients.

If you love this recipe you may want to enjoy it with air fryer tater tots, my Air Fryer Potato Wedges or my Air Fryer French Fries (Parmesan Truffle).

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER SPICY CHICKEN TENDERS

You will need this full list of ingredients listed below to make the delicious crispy chicken tenders (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Skinless chicken breast – alternatively can use raw chicken tenders or frozen unbreaded chicken tenders.
• All-purpose flour – or gluten-free flour blend.
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Optional – chili powder, lemon juice, etc. 

For the coating:

• Large eggs – this is used for the egg wash.
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray – can also use avocado oil spray.
• Hot sauce – I use Franks hot sauce for this recipe but any spicy hot sauce will work. You could even make your own homemade buffalo sauce if desired.
• Unsalted butter
• Optional – blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping sauce.

HOW TO MAKE

MAKE THE CHICKEN

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the tenders cook evenly and achieve maximum crispiness.
2. Prepare the breading station: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
3. Whisk the eggs: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. This mixture will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the coated tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface. Repeat this process for all the tenders.
5. Air frying the chicken tenders: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. If needed, cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Cook the chicken tenders: Place the tray in the preheated air fryer and cook the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 11-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The tenders should turn golden brown and crispy.

MAKE THE SAUCE

1. Make the sauce: Combine the hot sauce and the melted butter in small bowl. Coat the homemade chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce and add back to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes.
2. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo. These spicy chicken tenders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main course.

HOW TO STORE THE AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS

1. Cool the air fryer chicken tenders: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the coating soggy.
2. Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the chicken tenders within a day or two, store leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Ensure the tenders are completely cooled before placing them in the container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the chicken tenders for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until they are partially frozen. Partially freezing them prevents them from sticking together when stored.
4. Store in freezer-safe bags: Once the frozen chicken tenders are partially frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date for easy reference.

WHAT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE DOES CHICKEN HAVE TO REACH TO EAT SAFELY?

To ensure that chicken is safe to eat and cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature is considered safe by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and helps kill any potential harmful bacteria present in the chicken.

When using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken tender without touching the bone. Make sure to take the temperature reading near the end of the cooking time to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is safe to consume.

By using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, you can ensure that your air fryer spicy chicken tenders are both flavorful and cooked to perfection while maintaining food safety standards.

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we enjoy fried foods, providing a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor and texture. With this easy recipe for air fryer spicy chicken tenders, you can enjoy the ultimate combination of crispy coating and spicy goodness right in the comfort of your own kitchen. 

So, fire up that air fryer and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these flavorful chicken tenders!

Other Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express)
• 30 Low Carb Air Fryer Recipes
• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole

IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails