Go Back
A plate of crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders coated in buffalo sauce, served with celery sticks and blue cheese dip.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders deliver crunchy golden coating with juicy chicken inside and bold buffalo flavor in every bite. Using the air fryer keeps them lighter while still creating the crispy texture everyone loves. These spicy tenders are perfect for easy dinners, party platters, meal prep, or summer game day snacks without the mess of frying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Breading
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
For Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
For Dipping Sauce
  • 1 cup celery sticks for serving
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Place the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
  4. Dip each chicken tender into the eggs, then coat evenly in the breadcrumbs.
  5. Lightly drizzle the coated tenders with olive oil.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  7. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  8. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and honey.
  10. Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated.
  11. Stir together Greek yogurt, chopped chives, and lemon juice for a quick dipping sauce.
  12. Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot with celery sticks and yogurt dip.

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. The honey balances the heat while helping the buffalo sauce cling perfectly to the crispy coating.