Savory Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Get ready to spice up your dinner with my Savory Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe! These crispy, flavorful tenders are a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and classic spices, plus the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with taste. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttermilk marinated chicken and spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that is hard to resist.
- Crispy Texture: Using panko breadcrumbs gives these chicken tenders an extra crunch, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and the air fryer doing the work, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, making it a versatile dish for everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Additional Kitchen Supplies
- Olive oil spray
- Air fryer
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making tasty air fryer buffalo chicken tenders. You need chicken tenderloins for the base. They cook quickly and remain juicy. Buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. It’s important to soak the chicken in it for at least 30 minutes. This also helps the coating stick well.
For the crispy coating, I suggest using panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. You’ll mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend adds lots of flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper for your spice level.
Finally, have some buffalo sauce on hand for that classic kick. You can buy it or make your own. Olive oil spray helps crisp the tenders in the air fryer. Make sure your air fryer is ready to go; it’s essential for cooking evenly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Start by soaking the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk. This step adds moisture and flavor. Place the tenderloins in a medium bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk to cover them completely. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for 1 hour for even better results.
Preparing the Coating
While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure you mix well. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Air Frying Process
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Once heated, take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to coat well. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Cook the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. After cooking, remove them and toss in a bowl with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Make sure they are well coated before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Coating
To get that perfect crispy coating, press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This helps them stick better. Use panko breadcrumbs if you want extra crunch. They hold air well and get crispy fast. When you spray the chicken with olive oil, do it lightly. This adds flavor and helps the coating brown nicely.
Adjusting Spice Level
If you like it milder, use less cayenne pepper. You can always add more spice later if you want. For dipping sauces, try ranch or blue cheese. Both pair well with the spicy flavor of buffalo sauce. They cool down the heat and add creaminess.
Cooking Time Adjustments
When cooking for larger or smaller batches, adjust the time. If you add more chicken, cook a bit longer. For fewer tenders, check them a little early. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should be crispy outside and fully cooked inside.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chicken tenderloins soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness, making each bite juicy and delicious.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones to achieve a crunchier texture on your chicken tenders, giving them a delightful bite.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure the chicken tenders are placed in a single layer without overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more to taste.
Variations
Flavorful Coating Options
You can change the flavor of your chicken tenders by adding spices. Try adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a different taste. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme. These spices will give your tenders a unique twist.
Using different sauces is another way to mix things up. Instead of buffalo sauce, you might try barbecue sauce or honey mustard. Each sauce will bring out new flavors in the chicken tenders.
Alternative Protein Choices
If you want to switch up the protein, turkey works well too. Use turkey tenderloins in the same way you would use chicken. Just remember that turkey may cook a bit faster.
Tofu is a great choice for a meatless option. Press the tofu to remove water, then cut it into strips. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time since tofu cooks faster than chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these buffalo chicken tenders with sides for a full meal. Consider serving them with celery sticks and carrot sticks. A fresh salad also complements the tenders nicely.
For presentation, arrange the tenders on a platter with dipping sauces on the side. You can garnish with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for a pop of color.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a container with a lid. This helps keep moisture in and flavors fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well for this. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Methods
The best way to reheat your chicken tenders is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soft. If using the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check if they are warm through.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze both cooked and uncooked chicken tenders. For uncooked tenders, place them in a single layer on a tray. Freeze them for about one hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. For cooked tenders, let them cool, then wrap and store in a freezer bag.
To thaw, place the frozen tenders in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Always cook or reheat them right after thawing for best results.
FAQs
How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
To make homemade buffalo sauce, you need just a few ingredients. Start with 1/2 cup of hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of melted butter. Add a splash of vinegar for tang. Stir well, and adjust spice to your taste. You can add garlic powder for extra flavor. This sauce is quick and gives your tenders a great kick.
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or use cold water to speed up thawing. Once thawed, you can follow the recipe as usual. This will help ensure even cooking and a great taste.
What can I dip buffalo chicken tenders in?
Buffalo chicken tenders taste great with a variety of dips. Some popular choices are ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing. These creamy dips balance the spicy buffalo sauce. You can also try a honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce for a twist.
How long can I store cooked chicken tenders?
You can store cooked chicken tenders in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to thaw them properly before reheating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to check your buffalo sauce for gluten-containing ingredients, too. With these swaps, you can enjoy these tasty tenders without worry.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious buffalo chicken tenders. We covered key ingredients like chicken tenderloins and buttermilk. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for a crispy coating, and variations for added flavor. You learned how to store and reheat your leftovers safely.
Now, you can enjoy crunchy, spicy tenders at home anytime. Experiment with flavors and make this dish your ow
