These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor! Coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, they make a tasty treat anyone can enjoy.
Cooking these in the air fryer means less oil and more crunch. I could eat these every day! Pair them with some veggies or fries, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders are ideal, but you can also use chicken breasts cut into strips. They’ll work just as well, though they may need an extra minute or two in the air fryer.
All-Purpose Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be great substitutes. It might change the texture a tad, but it still coats well.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives an extra crunch! If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs can work, but I find panko keeps the tenders crispier and lighter.
Honey BBQ Sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor. For a healthier twist, you could mix honey with your favorite BBQ sauce instead or use a sugar-free version if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Do I Get My Chicken Tenders Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
To achieve that perfectly crispy texture, proper coating is key. Make sure to follow the three-step dipping process. The flour helps the egg stick, while the panko gives that lovely crunch.
- After coating, press the panko into the chicken to ensure an even coverage.
- Spraying lightly with cooking spray before air frying helps everything crisp up without excess oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air to circulate, or you may end up with soggier tenders.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and then about 10-12 minutes air frying the chicken tenders until they’re perfectly golden and delicious. So, it’s quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will help the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that crispy texture we love.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating for the chicken!
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until they’re fully mixed. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
4. Place the Panko Breadcrumbs:
Take a third bowl and add the panko breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken tenders a lovely, crunchy coating!
5. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Now it’s time to coat your chicken. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s well-coated. Repeat this for all the chicken tenders.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to help them get crispy!
7. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:
Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through so they brown nicely on both sides. You’re looking for them to be cooked through and golden brown!
8. Toss in Honey BBQ Sauce:
Once they’re done cooking, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and toss them in the honey BBQ sauce until they’re evenly coated. This will add that sweet and tangy flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken tenders hot, with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! You can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to create your own chicken tenders. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thicker pieces will take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand, you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed crackers for a different texture. Just be aware that the crunchiness might vary, depending on your choice.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Spicier?
Yes, you can easily spice up your chicken tenders! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even some hot sauce to the flour mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
