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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving Gathering these ingredients is your first step. The chicken tenders provide a juicy base. Panko breadcrumbs give a wonderfully crispy texture. The all-purpose flour helps the coating stick well. The seasoning mix adds bold flavor to the tenders. Buffalo sauce is what makes these tenders truly stand out. The melted butter in the sauce adds richness. Finally, ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping. Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken cooks to a tender finish while the crisp coating seals in moisture. The spices create layers of taste, making every bite exciting. You will enjoy how easy it is to make these delicious tenders at home. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Prep Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures the breading sticks well. - Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, place the beaten egg. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. This setup makes the coating process smoother. - Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture first. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs gently to stick well. - Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer helps make the chicken crispy. - Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Buffalo Sauce Prep: While the chicken cooks, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a large bowl. This adds richness and flavor. - Toss Tenders in Sauce: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated. This step gives the tenders their signature spicy kick. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions in the previous sections. To get that perfect crunch, use cooking spray on the chicken tenders before cooking. This helps them crisp up nicely. Make sure to coat the breadcrumbs evenly on each tender. Press the crumbs gently so they stick well. This step is key for that delightful crunch you want. If your tenders are thicker, add an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time. Always check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat while still juicy. Serve your buffalo chicken tenders on a big platter. Add celery sticks and carrot sticks for color and crunch. These fresh veggies complement the spicy sauce well. It not only looks great but also adds a refreshing touch to the meal. {{image_2}} You can spice up your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders in fun ways. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat. A pinch of cumin brings depth to the flavor. If you want something different, swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce or honey mustard. These changes can create a new taste experience. Experimenting with flavors keeps your meals exciting! If you need a gluten-free option, it's simple. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This swap keeps the crunch while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can still enjoy crispy chicken tenders without worry. Pair your tenders with fresh sides for a well-rounded meal. Celery sticks and carrot sticks add crunch and color. They also help cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce. Dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing are perfect for extra flavor. These sides make your meal fun and tasty! After cooking your chicken tenders, allow them to cool. Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. To freeze leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, you can reheat the tenders in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy your tasty meal! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. But cooking times will change. 1. Cooking Instructions: For frozen tenders, cook them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Check that they reach 165°F inside for safety. 2. Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh chicken tenders cook faster. They only need 10-12 minutes. Frozen takes longer since they need time to thaw and cook through. Making buffalo sauce is simple and fun! Here’s how: 1. Ingredients: - 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon white vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste 2. Instructions: - Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. - Add the hot sauce and vinegar. - Stir well and season with salt and pepper. This sauce is great for tossing on the chicken tenders after air frying. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional info per serving (4 tenders): - Calories: Around 350 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 20g You get a good amount of protein from chicken. The calories come from the breading and sauce. Yes, you can use this method on other meats! Here’s how: 1. Chicken Breast: Cut into strips, just like tenders. Follow the same breading and cooking steps. 2. Pork or Fish: You can also use pork chops or fish fillets. Adjust cooking time based on thickness. 3. Cooking Tips: Always check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer if needed. For the full recipe, check the details above. Happy cooking! In this post, we explored how to make tasty Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. We covered all the key ingredients, from chicken to buffalo sauce, and shared easy steps for cooking. You learned tips to get crispy tenders and different flavor ideas. Remember, cooking can be fun and simple. These tenders pair well with sides like carrots and celery. Enjoy making them for a snack or meal. Now, get in the kitchen and try this delicious recipe!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to make. With simple ingredients like chicken tenders, breadcrumbs, and buffalo sauce, you can enjoy a tasty meal or party snack without the guilt. Dive into this flavor-packed dish and discover how to impress your guests or treat yourself. Click to explore the full recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions
 

Prep Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.

    Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, place the beaten egg. In a third bowl, add breadcrumbs.

      Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently to adhere.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray to help with crispness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

            Buffalo Sauce Prep: While the chicken is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a large bowl.

              Toss Tenders in Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.

                Serve: Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a large platter garnished with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a colorful and appetizing presentation.