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Pile of buffalo chicken tenders on parchment paper, served with carrot and celery sticks in a rustic basket.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders coated in a savory parmesan crust and tossed in smoky, spicy buffalo sauce - perfect for game day or anytime cravings.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fine ground parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika (or regular smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons chipotle buffalo sauce or your favorite, divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins

Instructions

  • Season the 1 pound chicken tenderloins with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Set up two shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup fine ground parmesan cheese, and spices (1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder), and the other with beaten 2 large eggs,4 tablespoons chipotle buffalo sauce, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
    Chicken tenders in a bowl being seasoned with salt and pepper next to bowls of beaten egg and flour mixture.
  • Dip each tender into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour one more time.
    Raw chicken tenders next to bowls of buffalo sauce and breading station, ready to be dipped and coated.
  • Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Breaded but uncooked chicken tenders on parchment paper, arranged in a single layer and ready for the air fryer.
  • Once the tenders are cooked through and golden, brush them with the remaining buffalo sauce.
    Crispy buffalo chicken tenders on parchment paper being brushed with buffalo sauce using a yellow silicone brush.
  • Serve right away with your favorite dip and some fresh veggies.
    Fully cooked buffalo chicken tenders served in a bowl with fresh celery and carrot sticks, hand reaching in to grab one.

Notes

Tips:
  • Pat chicken dry before breading so the coating sticks better
  • Double-dip in the flour mixture for a crispier crust
  • Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to avoid clumping
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer - cook in batches if needed
Storage:
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 1424mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 507IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg