If you’re craving something spicy, crispy, and super easy, these Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders are it! These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a sweet and tangy buffalo sauce that’s seriously so addictive.
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Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or when you just want something bold and delicious without a ton of effort.
More air fryer chicken tender recipes to try: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Korean Fried Chicken or Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken tenders or chicken breasts → Use boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, cauliflower florets or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cornflakes → Use panko breadcrumbs, crushed rice crackers, or gluten-free corn flakes for a gluten-free option.
Eggs → Use buttermilk or plain yogurt for an egg-free option.
Garlic powder → Use granulated garlic, fresh minced garlic, or onion powder.
Smoked paprika → Use regular paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Honey → Use maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar.
Frank’s RedHot sauce → Use any buffalo-style hot sauce, sriracha, or your favourite hot sauce.
Cold butter → Use vegan butter, ghee, or olive oil.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make buffalo chicken tenders
- Step 1: Season the chicken first.
- Step 2: Coat with crushed cornflakes.
- Step 3: Air or bake.
- Step 4: Make the sauce and toss the chicken in it.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- A large skillet for the sauce
- Large Ziploc bag to crush the cornflakes, or use a food processor
Top tips
- Crush the cornflakes finely – The finer the crumbs, the better they stick to the chicken and create that perfect crispy coating.
- Press the chicken firmly on the cornflakes. To make the coating really stick to the chicken, press it really firmly.
- Toss tenders in sauce just before serving – For the crispiest results, wait until right before serving to coat them in the honey buffalo sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders - FAQs
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 425°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.
To keep them crispy, lightly brush the sauce on instead of fully tossing, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Coating: Crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a zip-top bag.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each tender into the whisked eggs, then press firmly into the crushed cornflakes until fully coated.
- Air Fry or Bake
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with oil and arrange the tenders in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce: In a skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add honey and Frank’s RedHot sauce, and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Once the tenders are done, toss them in the warm honey buffalo sauce or brush it on. Serve immediately! I love serving with a side of ranch dressing.
Notes
- Crush the cornflakes finely – The finer the crumbs, the better they stick to the chicken and create that perfect crispy coating.
- Press the chicken firmly on the cornflakes. To make the coating really stick to the chicken, press it really firmly.
- Toss tenders in sauce just before serving – For the crispiest results, wait until right before serving to coat them in the honey buffalo sauce.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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