Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Strips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making buffalo chicken strips in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and the results are just as tasty. The air fryer is a great tool for heating up frozen chicken strips, but you can also make homemade chicken strips with a few simple ingredients. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders, but the end result will be tender meat with a crispy coating.

Choosing your chicken

When making buffalo chicken strips in an air fryer, you can use either chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts. Chicken tenderloins are the best option, as they are already cut to the perfect size and will cook evenly. However, if you don't have tenderloins, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips.

If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into strips that are around one inch thick. This will ensure that the chicken cooks through properly and that the strips fit nicely in your air fryer.

For the best results, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before starting. This will help the sauce and breading (if using) to adhere to the chicken.

If you are looking for a healthier option, opt for chicken breasts with the fat trimmed off. You can also remove the skin from the chicken before cooking to reduce the fat content.

Preparing your chicken

Firstly, you will need to decide if you are using chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts. Chicken tenderloins are the preferred option as they are already cut to the perfect size. However, if you opt for chicken breasts, you will need to cut them into strips. Aim for strips that are around one inch thick.

Before coating the chicken, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This step will ensure that the sauce or any other coatings will adhere better to the chicken.

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You can follow a dry-wet-dry method, which is often recommended to keep the breading on the chicken tenders. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Prepare three separate plates or bowls. On the first plate, place some almond flour or all-purpose flour. You can also add spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or garlic pepper seasoning to the flour for extra flavour. On the second plate, beat an egg or two, depending on the quantity of chicken. For a dairy-free option, you can use a non-dairy milk and vinegar or lemon juice mixture as an egg substitute. The third plate should contain your choice of bread crumbs, such as Panko or more almond flour.

Step 2: Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the flour or almond flour, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.

Step 4: Now, dip the chicken back into the flour or almond flour, making sure to coat it well and packing on the flour to form a crust. Shake off any excess flour.

Alternatively, you can follow a similar method by dipping the chicken tenders into a buffalo sauce, followed by a coating of Panko breadcrumbs. This method creates a crunchier texture.

Once your chicken tenders are coated, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking, and place the tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for air frying!

Making your coating

Firstly, you will need to prepare three separate bowls or plates with the dry and wet ingredients. In the first bowl, place your dry ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add in some paprika here if you like. Whisk these together and set the bowl aside.

In the second bowl, you will create your egg wash by whisking together eggs, water, and hot sauce. Make sure this is fully combined, and then set this bowl aside.

Now, take each chicken tender and place it into the flour mixture. Ensure each tender is fully coated, and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the tender into the egg mixture, and again, ensure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off, and then place the tender back into the flour mixture. Pack the flour onto the tender to form a crust and then shake off any excess.

This double coating of flour and egg wash will ensure your tenders have a nice, thick, crispy coating.

Cooking your chicken

Start by preparing your chicken tenders. You can either buy pre-cut chicken tenderloins or cut your own from chicken breasts. If you are cutting your own, slice the chicken breasts into strips about one inch thick.

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will help the sauce or flour coating stick to the chicken.

Now, set up your breading station. You can either follow a 'dry-wet-dry' method or a 'wet-dry-wet-dry' method. For the dry-wet-dry method, place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium-sized bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and hot sauce. For the wet-dry-wet-dry method, place buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl, combine flour, spices, and baking powder.

Take each chicken tender and coat it in the flour mixture (or buttermilk mixture), shaking off any excess. Then, dip the tender into the egg mixture (or flour mixture), allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, place the tender back into the flour mixture (or buttermilk mixture) and pack on the flour to form a crust. Shake off any excess.

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the tenders into the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook the tenders in batches. Spray the tops of the tenders with more oil or cooking spray, ensuring there are no dry patches.

Air fry the tenders for about 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. After flipping, spray with more oil or cooking spray. The tenders are ready when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Saucing your chicken

Once the tenders are cooked, place them into a large bowl. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of buffalo sauce, depending on how spicy you like your chicken. Gently toss the tenders in the sauce or brush the sauce onto the tenders.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese.

Sauces and serving suggestions

There are many sauces and dips that go well with buffalo chicken strips. For a simple appetizer, a blue cheese or ranch-type dip is a great option. You could also try something like a creamy 3-herb dressing. If you want to make your own ranch dip, you can use a packet of ranch seasoning and mix it with sour cream and mayo.

If you want to make your own buffalo sauce, you can heat up some Frank's Red Hot sauce with a little melted ghee. Once it cools, add it to your chicken strips and toss to coat. You can also make your own buffalo sauce by mixing melted butter with buffalo sauce.

If you want to make your buffalo chicken strips into a more balanced meal, you can serve them with rice and your favourite vegetable. Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is an easy option. You could also serve them with a simple salad, such as a jicama salad, a creamy cucumber salad, or a radicchio endive fennel salad to counter the flavor of the buffalo sauce.

Frequently asked questions