Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe gives you crispy chicken with a spicy kick, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day. You only need a few simple ingredients like chicken tenderloins and spicy buffalo sauce. Follow my easy instructions, and impress your friends and family with this delicious dish that’s both fun and satisfying. Get ready to spice up your dinner table!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
The main ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are simple yet effective. Chicken tenderloins offer a juicy and tender base. Buttermilk adds flavor and helps the coating stick. All-purpose flour creates that perfect crispy crust.
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Seasonings bring your chicken to life. Garlic powder gives a robust flavor. Onion powder adds sweetness, and smoked paprika lends a smoky touch. Salt and black pepper balance the overall taste perfectly.
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients
– 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: chopped green onions and celery sticks for garnish
The buffalo sauce is key for that signature kick. You combine buffalo hot sauce with melted butter to create a rich, spicy blend. Green onions and celery are great for garnish, adding freshness and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, you need to marinate the chicken tenders. First, in a large bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will make the chicken tender and flavorful. Next, add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This wait helps the chicken absorb all the great flavors.
Preparing the Breading Mixture
While the chicken marinates, let’s prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This mix adds a nice flavor. Make sure to mix well. An even coating on the chicken is key. It helps the tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important for crispy chicken. After preheating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat all sides evenly. Now, place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to help it crisp up.
Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Crispy Tenders
To get those crispy tenders, I always use cooking oil spray. A light mist helps the breading crisp up. It makes a big difference! Also, cook in batches. If you crowd the basket, the tenders won’t fry well. Give each piece space to breathe.
Marination Insights
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the meat soak up flavor. You can even go up to 2 hours for extra taste. Try adding spices to the buttermilk for more flavor. A splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can work wonders too.
Checking Doneness
Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. The tenders should feel firm, not soft. That’s how you know they’re cooked perfectly!
Variations
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
To make your chicken tenders spicier, you can add extra hot sauce. Just mix more buffalo sauce with the melted butter. Taste it to see if it fits your spice level. You can also try different spice blends. A dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder can add a nice heat. If you love heat, this is a fun way to customize your dish.
Healthier Options
If you want a healthier meal, consider substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour. Almond flour gives a nice crunch and adds healthy fats. You can also use low-fat buttermilk. This swap keeps the dish creamy without the extra calories. Both changes keep the flavors but cut down on the calories.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your buffalo chicken tenders with tasty dips. Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing makes a perfect match. You can also try celery sticks as a crunchy side. For a complete meal, serve these tenders with a side salad or sweet potato fries. These simple additions make your dish even better.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for your next meal. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Use a shallow dish for best results.
Recommended storage containers include glass or BPA-free plastic. They seal well and help avoid odors. Label the container with the date. This way, you track how long they have been stored.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze cooked tenders for a quick meal later. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
For reheating, use the air fryer for best texture. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the oven, but check often to avoid drying them out.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, cooked tenders last about 3-4 days. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for an off smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you see any of these, it’s best to toss them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just remember to thaw them first. To thaw, place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method. Simply seal the chicken in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, marinate them like fresh ones. This helps keep them juicy.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
You can serve these tenders with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
– Celery sticks: Crisp and fresh, they cool the spice.
– Carrot sticks: Sweet and crunchy, they add a nice contrast.
– French fries: Classic and loved by all, they pair well with the tenders.
– Blue cheese dressing: Creamy and tangy, it complements the heat.
– Ranch dressing: A favorite choice for dipping.
Feel free to mix and match these sides for a full meal.
How do I make the tenders less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less buffalo sauce. You can also mix the buffalo sauce with some melted butter. This makes a milder sauce while keeping the flavor. Another option is to add honey or brown sugar to sweeten the sauce. This balances the heat and adds a nice touch. Adjust the heat to fit your taste!
This blog covered how to make tasty Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. We discussed the key ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions for marinating, breading, and cooking. You learned tips for crispy tenders and variations to suit your taste. Lastly, I shared storage info to keep leftovers fresh.
Enjoy making these tenders as a fun meal or snack. With practice, you’ll perfect your method and impress everyone.
