Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

These air fryer Buffalo chicken tenders are quick, saucy, and full of tangy heat without any breading.

I like this recipe when I want Buffalo flavor but do not want to deal with wings or a breading station. The chicken cooks first, then gets tossed with Buffalo sauce and melted butter so the sauce coats the hot tenders without sitting in the air fryer basket.

Serve them with ranch or blue cheese, add them to wraps, slice them over salads, or turn them into an easy dinner plate with vegetables and potatoes.

Quick Success Tips

• Check the thickest part for 165°F. The timer gets you close, but the thermometer confirms doneness.
• Pat the chicken dry. The garlic powder, salt, and pepper stick better when the surface is not wet.
• Use similar-size tenders. Smaller pieces can finish before larger ones.
• Keep the basket in one layer. Cook in batches when the tenders do not fit with space between them.
• Spray lightly with oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the surface from looking dry.
• Flip halfway through. Both sides need time against the hot air.
• Cook the chicken before saucing. The Buffalo sauce goes on after air frying.
• Toss while the chicken is hot. Warm tenders pick up the sauce better.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe Works

Chicken tenders cook quickly in the air fryer, which makes them a good choice for a fast Buffalo dinner or appetizer.

I cook the tenders first, then toss them with the Buffalo sauce and melted butter after they come out of the air fryer. The sauce stays fresh and glossy instead of drying onto the basket, and the hot chicken helps it cling.

Seasoning the chicken before cooking also matters. The Buffalo sauce brings the tangy heat, but the garlic powder, salt, and pepper keep the chicken itself from tasting plain underneath.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• No breading or flour is needed.
• The chicken cooks in about 12 minutes.
• The Buffalo sauce goes on after cooking, so the method stays simple.
• They work as an appetizer, dinner protein, wrap filling, salad topping, or meal-prep chicken.
• The heat level is easy to adjust with the Buffalo sauce you choose.
• Ranch or blue cheese makes serving easy.

Ingredients you'll need to make Buffalo Chicken Tenders

**Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.**

Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders no breading are also gluten-free and suitable for people following the keto diet. You'll love how quick and simple they are to prepare!

• Chicken tenders: Tenderloins cook quickly and are usually close in size. Chicken breast cut into even strips also works.
• Garlic powder: Seasons the chicken before the Buffalo sauce goes on.
• Salt and pepper: Use enough to season the chicken lightly, especially when your Buffalo sauce is not very salty.
• Olive oil spray: A light spray helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the outside from looking dry.
• Buffalo-style hot sauce: Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preferred heat level.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the Buffalo sauce coat the hot chicken and gives it a smoother finish.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Optional, but helpful for cooling the heat when serving.

Tools used to make the recipe.

• Large bowl
• Oil sprayer bottle

How to make buffalo chicken tenders in air fryer?

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.

Season the tenders with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches when needed.

Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.

Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the thickest part of each tender reaches 165°F.

Meanwhile, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter and set aside until the chicken is done cooking. 

Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a clean bowl and toss with the Buffalo sauce mixture while they are still hot.

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Cook the chicken before adding the Buffalo sauce.
• Toss the tenders with sauce while they are hot.
• Use a mild Buffalo sauce when serving kids or spice-sensitive eaters.
• Add a little extra hot sauce or cayenne when you want more heat.
• Do not crowd the basket; the chicken cooks better with space around each piece.
• Check each tender individually when the pieces are different sizes.
• Reheat leftovers only until hot so the chicken does not dry out.

How Long to Air Fry Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders usually take about 12 minutes at 380°F, or 6 minutes per side.

Start checking near the end of the cook time. Smaller tenders can finish before larger ones, and every air fryer cooks a little differently.

The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Make It a Meal

Game-day plate: Serve the tenders with ranch or blue cheese, celery, carrots, and Buffalo cauliflower.

Easy dinner plate: Pair them with green beans, smashed potatoes, corn, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Buffalo chicken wrap: Slice the tenders and add lettuce, tomato, avocado, ranch, or blue cheese dressing.

Salad dinner: Serve over greens with cucumbers, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.

Rice bowl: Add sliced Buffalo tenders to rice with corn, black beans, avocado, and extra sauce.

Meal prep: Pack the cooled tenders with rice, potatoes, or vegetables and keep extra dressing on the side.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Store leftover Buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or just until hot. Smaller pieces warm quickly, so start checking early to keep them from drying out.

Freeze cooked tenders for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

More Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipes You'll love

• Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer without Breading
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Juicy Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Tenders 
• Air Fryer Almond Flour Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders Recipe

More Buffalo Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Air Fryer
• Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast
• Buffalo Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
• Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer

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