Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders (or breasts cut into strips)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (use pork rinds for keto)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the coating sticks and the chicken gets crispy rather than steaming. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the Buffalo hot sauce and melted butter. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Dip each chicken tender into the Buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let the excess sauce drip off, then press the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Flip the tender to coat both sides evenly, pressing firmly so the crumbs adhere. Repeat this process until all tenders are coated. For a lighter version, you can skip the breadcrumbs and just use the sauce, but the crunch of the Panko is hard to beat.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with a bit more olive oil. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip each tender. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes. This keeps the juices inside. For an extra punch of flavor, you can brush on a little more fresh Buffalo sauce right before serving. Serve the tenders warm on a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of cold blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Cook Time: 22 minutes