Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Spicy and saucy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a delicious meal that is done in minutes!

Using the air fryer to make buffalo chicken tenders is quick and easy! For a complete meal I chop the tenders and put them into a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, on top of these Buffalo Chicken Fries, or use them in low carb wraps!

I recommend using this easy and delicious homemade buffalo sauce, but store bought sauces also work!

Some of my most popular recipes are made in the air fryer such as Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Asparagus, and Air Fryer Potatoes.

Making buffalo chicken tenders in the Air Fryer couldn't be easier! Let me explain...

How to make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**

• Get all of the ingredients together and set aside. Add the defrosted chicken tenderloins to a medium size bowl, then add the oil. Lightly toss to coat in the small amount of oil.

• Add the seasonings to the chicken and toss lightly to coat the chicken.

• Using your air fryer, lightly spray the base with cooking oil (I like this oil sprayer) and add the chicken tenders into the basket or tray, making sure they aren't overlapping. Close the air fryer and set to 380 degrees and 7 minutes.

• After the 7 minutes are up, carefully open the air fryer and BRUSH THE TOPS of the tenders with buffalo sauce. Flip over the chicken tenders, then brush the other side with buffalo sauce.
• Close and set for 3-5 more minutes at 380 degrees. Check the internal temperature of the chicken - when they are 165 degrees F, they are done.
• Brush with additional buffalo sauce if desired and top with chopped parsley.

How long does it take to cook chicken tenderloins with buffalo sauce in the air fryer?

Depending on the size of the chicken tenders, the cooking time might vary. At 380 degrees, they should take 10-12 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees using a meat thermometer.

What buffalo sauce is best for these?

I like to use this homemade buffalo sauce, but if purchasing from the store I recommend Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray's Buffalo Sauce.

Are buffalo chicken tenders in the air fryer healthy?

Yes! They are healthy as well as low carb, keto, south beach diet compliant, paleo, gluten free, and dairy free! Each tender contains 76 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein.

I HIGHLY recommend serving these buffalo chicken tenders with this AMAZING Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing, but you could also do ranch dressing!

Can I bake Chicken Tenders?

Yes, however it takes much longer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, and check the internal temperature to make sure they are done at 165 degrees.

How to reheat the tenders:

Add them back to the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders? Here are some options:

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Creamy Mac and Cheese 
• Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Baked Caprese Pasta
• Garlic Hummus

What type of Air Fryer should I use for this recipe?

There are many Air Fryers to choose from, but I love my PowerXL Vortex Air fryer! Here are some other great options:

• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: 6-in-1, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Stainless Steel
• COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT - Large Hot Electric Oven Oilless Cooker with 8 Quick Setting Recommendation

5 from 8 votes

Print

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Prep Time

3 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Spicy and saucy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a delicious meal that is done in minutes!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer buffalo chicken tenders

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless, chicken tenderloins
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• oil spray
• ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce
• chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Add chicken tenderloins to a medium size bowl, then add the oil; lightly toss to coat the chicken. Add the seasonings to the chicken and toss lightly to coat the chicken.
2. Using the air fryer, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil and add the chicken tenders, making sure they aren't overlapping. Close the air fryer and set to 380 degrees and 7 minutes.

3. Carefully open the air fryer and and BRUSH THE TOPS of the tenders with buffalo sauce. Flip over the chicken tenders, then brush the other side with buffalo sauce. Close and set for 3-5 more minutes at 380 degrees. Check the internal temperature of the chicken - when they are 165 degrees F, they are done.

4. Remove the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley if desired.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Nutrition per serving (1 chicken tender): 76 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein.