Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy way to enjoy spicy, flavorful chicken without any breading. Marinated in a tangy buffalo sauce mixed with mayonnaise and garlic powder, these tenders cook perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, making a perfect snack or meal addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Buffalo Marinade
- ¼ cup hot sauce plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste, optional
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup hot sauce, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until mostly smooth to create the buffalo marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the buffalo marinade over the chicken tenders and mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes, then flip the tenders and cook for an additional 7 minutes or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the cooked tenders with additional hot sauce (about 2 tablespoons or more if you like them extra saucy), and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or let cool and use in salads or for meal prep.
Notes
- If your air fryer requires preheating, be sure to preheat before adding the chicken.
- This recipe was tested using a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex air fryer, which accommodates large batches well.
- For an oven method, bake the tenders at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking.
- To make this recipe milder and kid-friendly, use a mild Buffalo sauce such as Noble Made.
