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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe — Jazz Leaf

If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing snack or a tantalising addition to your dinner table, look no further than these crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders. This recipe not only delivers on flavour but also offers a healthier twist on your favourite fried dish—perfect for those who want to indulge without the guilt.

The Allure of Air Frying

Gone are the days when enjoying crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders meant deep frying them in copious amounts of oil. The air fryer has revolutionised the way we prepare fried foods, offering a method that uses significantly less oil while still achieving that coveted crunch. Thanks to its rapid air circulation technology, the air fryer allows for even cooking and browning, making it an ideal kitchen appliance for creating tasty delights like buffalo chicken tenders.

Key Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the chicken tenders:

  • 450g chicken breast fillets, cut into strips
  • 120g breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
  • 50g plain flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the buffalo sauce:
  • 120ml hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)
  • 30g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for infusing flavour into the chicken.

Step 2: Set up the Breading Station

1. Prepare the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, set up your coating station:
   • In the first bowl, place the plain flour.
   • In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten.
   • In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken strip and coat it in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs. Ensure the chicken tenders are fully covered for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

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

2. Cook the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the tenders are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and cayenne pepper in a bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce and Serve

1. Toss and Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss until the tenders are thoroughly coated.

2. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders immediately with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely touch of colour.

Final Thoughts

These crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are sure to become a favourite in your household. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and crunchy exterior creates a truly sensational bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or simply enjoying them as a quick weeknight meal, they are perfect for any occasion. Best of all, you can enjoy the flavours of fried chicken without the excess oil and calories. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to savour every delicious bite!

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