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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt mixed with milk) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, gather these key ingredients first. The chicken tenders serve as the base. They are tender and juicy, perfect for this recipe. Buttermilk or yogurt mixed with milk acts as a marinade. This mixture keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. Next, we need all-purpose flour. This is crucial for the coating. It gives the chicken its crispy texture. For flavor, we add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices enhance the taste and add depth. The buffalo sauce brings the heat. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice level. Finally, olive oil helps the tenders crisp up in the air fryer. Don’t forget parsley! It adds a nice touch of freshness for garnish. With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a dish that is both tasty and fun to eat. Marinating chicken is key. It adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. Use buttermilk or yogurt for the best results. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all that goodness. Mix your dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Use flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure the spices mix evenly. This step is important for even coating. When you coat the chicken, press gently so the mixture sticks well. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. Spray the tops of the tenders with more olive oil. Cook the tenders for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This cooking method gives you crispy, golden brown chicken every time. To get the best crispiness, set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook fast and get crispy. Do not overcrowd the basket. If you add too many tenders at once, they will steam instead of fry. Fry in batches if needed. This step is key to getting that crunchy texture. Want more heat? Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste. If you like it mild, use less. You can also try different sauces. BBQ sauce or garlic parmesan sauce are great options. Each sauce brings a new twist to the dish. Experiment with what you like best. These tenders pair well with classic sides. Think celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a crisp salad. You can also serve them with fries or onion rings for a fun meal. For a nice presentation, arrange the tenders on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken tenders for turkey or tofu. Turkey tends to be leaner, so it cooks quickly. For turkey, use the same cooking time as chicken. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian take. Use firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Cook tofu tenders for about 8-10 minutes. Both options will still give you that crispy finish. Want to change up the flavor? Try adding different seasonings to the coating. You can use Italian herbs, Cajun spice, or even ranch seasoning. For a sweet twist, mix in honey with your buffalo sauce. This honey buffalo variation adds a nice touch. The sweetness balances the heat, making it enjoyable for everyone. If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Almond flour or rice flour works well too. Be mindful of cross-contamination if you have allergies. For best results, check your baking powder and buffalo sauce to ensure they are gluten-free. These small changes keep everyone happy and healthy. To store leftover buffalo chicken tenders, let them cool down. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze cooked tenders or uncooked ones. For cooked tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. For uncooked tenders, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat frozen cooked tenders, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8 minutes. For uncooked tenders, cook straight from frozen. Air fry at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer is the best way to keep tenders crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F before adding the tenders. This gives them a nice crunch. If you use a microwave, the tenders can become soggy. If you must use the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Always check to avoid overcooking. To keep your chicken tenders juicy, marinate them well. Use buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up moisture. When you coat them, don’t skip the spices. They add flavor and help keep the chicken moist. Make sure not to overcook the tenders. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them while they cook. Yes, you can prep these tenders in advance. You can marinate the chicken the night before. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve them. After coating the chicken, you can freeze them. Just remember to thaw before cooking. This way, you can enjoy fresh, crispy tenders whenever you want. Buffalo chicken tenders pair well with many sauces. Blue cheese and ranch are popular choices. They balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. You can also try honey mustard or garlic aioli for a twist. For a homemade sauce, mix sour cream with a bit of blue cheese and add herbs. This adds a creamy touch that complements the heat nicely. In this post, I shared how to make delicious buffalo chicken tenders. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and flour. I walked you through marinating, coating, and air frying for crispiness. You learned tips for flavor and serving ideas. Remember, you can swap proteins and adjust spices for variety. Store leftovers safely and reheat for best results. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun with new flavors!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Craving a spicy bite? Try these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders for a tasty treat perfect for any occasion! Marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful mix of spices, and air-fried to crispy perfection, they're sure to be a hit. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips for the best results. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking game with these delicious tenders!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt mixed with milk)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken tenders. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the fridge and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with more olive oil.

            Cook the Tenders: Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

              Toss in Buffalo Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken tenders with the buffalo sauce. Toss well to coat each tender evenly.

                Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken tenders garnished with chopped parsley. For extra sauce, serve additional buffalo sauce on the side.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings