Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Healthier Option: Cooking in the air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter dish.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: Enjoy these tenders on their own, in sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer.
- Toss them in the prepared honey BBQ sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different BBQ sauces or add a splash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How do I ensure the chicken tenders are crispy?
Preheat the air fryer properly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to use in place of tenders.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
Yes, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before breading,
Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are quick, easy, and perfect for any weeknight meal or snack. With crispy, golden-brown chicken strips coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, these tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The air fryer creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and the honey BBQ sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. Ideal for kids and adults alike, these tenders can be enjoyed on their own or in sandwiches and salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the breading station:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air fry the chicken:
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spraying with cooking spray.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve:
- Toss the chicken tenders in the honey BBQ sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
