Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders use simple ingredients and a short cooking time to serve up a fan favorite main dish for the whole family to enjoy!

WHAT’S NEW?

Happy New Year! Can I just say how much I’ve enjoyed a holiday staycation? I’ve always thought that reading a holiday-themed rom-com book by the fire sounded like the perfect way to enjoy the holidays. I can now confirm that it is a lovely way to enjoy the holidays. For a plethora of reasons this year was just a bit quieter and the downshift was much anticipated and much needed. As I tell Mark all the time, “the less you do, the less you’re capable of doing”. And since I’ve been doing a whole lot of very little, Monday is going to be ROUGH!

We were discussing our resolutions last evening on our first date night in FOREVER, and I told him that I’d like to put together a binder of TRUE 20-minute meals that the WHOLE family enjoys. I want to be very choosy about what recipes make it into the binder and this one…it’s a contender. These were a wee spicy for the kids, but Mark and I gobbled them up! 

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Those Who Like it Hot: You either love spicy buffalo sauce…or hate it. If you love it, you’re likely to love these super simple homemade chicken tenders.
• Allergen-Friendly: These tenders are not only low in carb, but are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free making them a nice meal option for those with various dietary restrictions.
• Quick Dinner: Weeknight warriors, this one is ready in under 20 minutes – you’ll love this simple recipe!

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Chicken: Choosing chicken tenderloins reduces time spent on prep, however you can certainly use a large piece of chicken, such as a boneless, skinless chicken breast of thighs.
• Buffalo Sauce: I used a variety that contains cayenne pepper, vinegar, and spices so that it is naturally gluten-free and offers intense bufflao flavor. Feel free to use a homemade buffalo sauce of your favorite spicy hot sauce.
• Almond Flour: This nutty, rich ingredient is a unique and naturally gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. 
• Black Pepper: Use more, less, or none if you prefer! I love the combination of buffalo + black pepper! 

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• Get creative with the spices you add to the almond flour. Consider adding garlic powder, ranch dressing mix, onion powder, or for extra heat, some cayenne pepper.
• Vary up the dipping sauce you use for serving – more tangy buffalo sauce, ranch dip, and blue cheese dressing are all great options.
• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Rewarm in the air fryer at 375 dgrees F for 2-3 minutes before flipping and cooking an additional 1-2 minute or until heated through.
• Due to the use of almond flour, these tenders are not super crispy. Almond flour absorbs the buffalo sauce and so these tenders boast more flavor than crunch! Use another gluten-free breadcrumb or panko for that crunchy finish!

FAQ

Should I spray my air fryer with cooking spray?

I would not recommend doing so as a gunky build-up can occur and cause your air fryer to have more issues with food sticking in the future. Use a brush or paper towel to lightly apply olive oil to the basket or air fryer plate, if desired.

What do you recommend serving with these buffalo chicken strips?

Some type of a starchy accompanyment goes nice – a potato (french fries!) or rice, for example, as well as some type of non-starchy vegetable: broccoli, a side salad, a slaw, celery sticks with blue cheese dressing, or your favorite vegetable side.

How do I know if the chicken is done?

Your air fryer chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F registered on a meat thermometer. 

I don’t have an air fryer, can I bake these tenders?

You sure can! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake on a baking sheet for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. 

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Naturally low carb and rich in protein – 43 grams per serving
• Almond flour is high in healthy unsaturated fats, as well as fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium.
• Air frying is a healthy alternative to deep frying

Love your air fryer? Enjoy!

• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Tzatziki Fish Tacos
• Air-Fryer Basil-Parmesan Crusted Salmon
• Easy Baked Crispy Panko Chicken
• Lemony Miso Butter Salmon

Be well,