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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders — American chicken recipe, 17 min, serves 4American

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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Gluten-freeHigh protein

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders tossed in bold buffalo flavour. The 200 °C circulating heat crisps the surface in 12 minutes with no deep frying, while the buffalo brings the punch. Ready as a fast weeknight main or a crowd-pleasing snack.

17
min
5
prep
🔥
12
cook
👥
4
servings
310
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Pat the chicken tenders dry and trim any excess. Even thickness gives even cooking.

2

Lightly oil the chicken tenders so the surface crisps and the buffalo clings later.

3

Arrange in a single layer with space between pieces and cook at 200 °C (390 °F) for 12 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark, until golden and cooked through (74 °C / 165 °F).

12:00
4

Tip the hot chicken tenders into a bowl and toss immediately with 60 ml hot sauce (Frank's), 2 tbsp melted butter so it coats while everything is still hot.

5

Serve hot with Blue cheese or ranch dip on the side. Best straight from the basket while crisp.

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Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Mat

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Common Questions

What temperature do you air fry chicken tenders at?
Set the air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F) and cook for about 12 minutes, until golden and cooked through (74 °C / 165 °F).
Do I need to flip the chicken tenders?
Flip once at around the 6-minute mark for even browning on all sides.
Can I cook this in batches?
Yes — keep a single layer with space between pieces. Overcrowding steams instead of crisps, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
Can I make Buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes. Cook as directed, then warm the pieces through in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes before serving to bring back the crisp edges.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Air frying chicken tenders works because rapidly circulating hot air dehydrates the surface and renders fat, producing a crisp exterior at 200 °C without submerging in oil. Buffalo is added so the seasoning concentrates as moisture leaves.
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This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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