Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Almond Flour Recipe
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners and game-day snacking with these incredibly crispy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Crafted with a clever almond flour breading, this recipe delivers that satisfying crunch you crave, all while being completely gluten-free. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect solution for busy schedules or impromptu gatherings. Forget soggy, bland chicken tenders – these spicy, tender strips are bursting with classic buffalo flavor and an irresistible texture that will have everyone asking for more.
Unleashing Flavor: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Done Right
These Buffalo Chicken Tenders in the air fryer are more than just a simple snack; they’re a versatile meal component designed for convenience and deliciousness. Whether enjoyed on their own as a speedy lunch or dinner, or used as a fiery topping for a fresh side salad drizzled with creamy dairy-free ranch, they instantly elevate any dish. Imagine a zesty Caesar salad with an added kick – these tenders make it happen.
Beyond everyday meals, these gluten-free buffalo chicken strips are an absolute game-changer for football season home-gating. They offer all the indulgence of traditional fried chicken tenders but with a less processed, healthier twist. The best part? Your guests will be so impressed by the flavor and crispiness, they won’t even realize they’re enjoying a healthier, gluten-free alternative. It’s our little secret for guilt-free indulgence!
The Magic of Air Frying for Extra Crispy Tenders
Using an air fryer for these buffalo chicken tenders is truly a game-changer. The circulating hot air creates an incredibly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making them a healthier choice compared to deep-fried versions. This method locks in the chicken’s moisture, ensuring each bite is tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. Plus, it significantly reduces cooking time, getting these delicious tenders on your table faster than traditional oven baking or frying.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Strips
You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are required to create a batch of homemade chicken strips that rival your favorite restaurant’s offerings. This recipe focuses on simple, quality components that come together to deliver impressive flavor and texture. We specifically use an almond flour breading to achieve that signature crispy coating while keeping the recipe naturally gluten-free and often suitable for low-carb or Whole30 diets.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: Opt for high-quality chicken tenders for the best results. If you can’t find tenders, chicken breasts can be sliced into uniform strips.
- Almond flour: The star of our gluten-free breading! Ensure it’s finely ground blanched almond flour for the smoothest, crispiest coating. It’s naturally low-carb and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Coconut flour: A small amount of coconut flour helps absorb moisture and contributes to the crispiness. If you have a coconut allergy, cassava flour is an excellent substitute, offering similar binding properties.
- Dried spices: A blend of garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper creates the savory base and allows you to adjust the heat to your preference. Don’t skip the cayenne if you love that classic buffalo zing!
- 1 large egg: Whisked, this acts as the essential binder, helping the almond flour breading adhere beautifully to the chicken.
- Frank’s Red Hot pepper sauce: The iconic hot sauce for authentic buffalo flavor. While other red pepper cayenne sauces can be used, Frank’s is widely recognized for its balanced heat and tanginess, making it our top recommendation.
- White vinegar: This crucial ingredient adds the signature tangy, sharp note that defines true buffalo sauce, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
- Cooking spray: A light coating of cooking spray on the breaded tenders before air frying is key to achieving that golden, extra-crispy exterior without much oil.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Making these gluten-free air fryer buffalo chicken tenders is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare the Almond Flour Breading: In a shallow dish or wide bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour (or cassava flour if substituting), garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. This dry mix will form the crispy coating. Set this aside.
- Create the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk one large egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. This egg wash is vital for helping the dry breading adhere to the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and first dip it completely into the whisked egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Immediately transfer the egg-coated tender into the almond flour breading mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breading, turning to coat both sides evenly. Repeat until all tenders are well-coated.
- Refrigerate for Optimum Crispiness: This step is a secret weapon for gluten-free breading! Once all tenders are breaded, arrange them on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the almond flour coating to hydrate slightly and adhere more firmly to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during cooking and ensuring maximum crispiness.
- Air Fry to Perfection: While the chicken is chilling, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then use tongs to flip each tender. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The tenders should be golden brown and crispy.
- Get Saucy: While the chicken is air frying, prepare your buffalo sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine Frank’s Red Hot pepper sauce and white vinegar. Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and crispy, transfer them directly from the air fryer into the hot sauce mixture. Use tongs to gently toss the tenders until they are fully coated in the tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Pro Cooking Tip for Gluten-Free Breading:
- The refrigeration step is absolutely crucial for gluten-free breaded chicken. Because almond flour behaves differently than wheat flour, chilling the breaded tenders for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the coating to set and prevents it from flaking off in the air fryer. This simple trick ensures your homemade chicken fingers achieve that perfectly crispy, intact crust every time.
- This proven method works beautifully whether you choose to air fry your chicken tenders or bake them in the oven. It’s the same technique successfully applied to our almond breaded pork chops, guaranteeing no messy, sticky breading and consistently excellent results.
Alternative Cooking Method: How to Make in the Oven
Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! You can still enjoy these delicious gluten-free chicken tenders by baking them in a conventional oven. Follow the exact same dredging, breading, and crucial refrigeration steps as outlined above to prepare your tenders.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 370°F (185°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Remove the chilled chicken tenders from the refrigerator and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from Oven and Sauce: Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven. Transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo hot sauce and vinegar mixture, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These versatile buffalo chicken tenders can be enjoyed in so many ways! Beyond serving them as a main dish with a side of garden salad or Caesar salad, consider these delicious pairings:
- Classic Dipping: Serve with extra dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks for the authentic buffalo experience.
- Wraps & Tacos: Shred or chop the tenders and use them as a spicy filling for lettuce wraps, gluten-free tortillas, or even as a topping for healthy bowls.
- Loaded Potatoes: Top baked sweet potatoes or regular potatoes with chopped buffalo chicken, a drizzle of ranch, and chives for a hearty meal.
- Game Day Platter: Arrange them artfully on a platter with various dips and fresh veggies for an impressive and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These crispy buffalo chicken tenders are fantastic as leftovers, making them excellent for meal prep throughout the week. Proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious.
- To Store: Any leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders should be refrigerated in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. If you’re preparing these for meal prep, we highly recommend waiting to toss them in the buffalo sauce until just before you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain maximum crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- To Reheat: For the best results and to regain that delightful crispiness, rewarm your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crisp again. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating, though they may not be as crispy.
- To Freeze: Once your cooked chicken tenders have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the reheating instructions above.
buffalo chicken tenders made in the air fryer (gluten-free)
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour – or 1 TBSP cassava flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper – dried spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot pepper sauce – plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- cooking spray
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl or shallow dish, add almond flour, coconut flour, spices, salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine. Set aside.
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Add 1 whisked egg to another bowl. This is your egg wash.
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Dip chicken tender into egg wash, then dip into the almond flour breading. Make sure both sides are evenly coated with breading. Once all tenders are evenly coated, refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow breading to stick.
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Remove tenders from refrigerator. Spray with with cooking spray, and add to basket of air fryer.
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Cook 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Using tongs, flip and cook 2-3 more minutes. Make sure temperature of chicken is 165F. Repeat if making in batches (depending on basket size).
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In a mixing bowl, combine hot sauce and vinegar. Using tongs, toss breaded, cooked chicken tenders into hot sauce mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To Store. Refrigerate these Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Tenders in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. Wait to sauce until you’re ready to serve, if you’re making these as part of meal prep.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees F, in the oven, or the microwave.
- To Freeze. Once cooled, store in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or resealable (freezer-safe) bag for up to 3-months.
NUTRITION INFO
- one serving is for approx 4-ounces of chicken.
Nutrition
Making these crispy, gluten-free Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a healthier, quicker fashion. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of spice and tang, wrapped in an irresistibly crunchy almond flour coating. Happy cooking!
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