Make Irresistible Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Today!

Get ready to take your chicken tenders to new flavor-packed heights with these irresistible Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders! Juicy, tender chicken coated in a crispy breading and tossed in a sweet and smoky homemade honey BBQ sauce – this recipe is a game-changer for your next game day spread, family dinner, or anytime you’re craving a truly crave-worthy chicken dish.

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Why Air Frying is a Game Changer

The secret to these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is the magic of air frying. Compared to traditional deep frying, air frying uses up to 80% less oil, resulting in a healthier, lower-calorie finished dish without sacrificing any of the satisfying crunch. The rapid air circulation in the air fryer crisps up the breading to perfection, locking in all the juicy, tender chicken flavor. Plus, air frying is incredibly easy and hands-off, making it a total no-brainer for quick weeknight meals or game day snacking.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

To make these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

• 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make these incredible Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders:

1. Prep Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Breading Process: Set up three shallow bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
5. Coat Chicken: Toss the hot chicken tenders in the warm honey BBQ sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders immediately, with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy this perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and crispy flavors!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• For the crispiest breading, make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before breading.
• Work in batches when air frying to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Adjust the air fryer temperature and cooking time as needed – thicker chicken tenders may require a few extra minutes.
• Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after air frying before tossing in the honey BBQ sauce for maximum crispness.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving as a main dish, appetizer, or game day snack. Some tasty pairings include:

• Creamy coleslaw or mac and cheese
• Roasted or grilled vegetables
• Crispy french fries or tater tots
• Fresh, tangy pickles or a crunchy salad
• An ice-cold beer or creamy milkshake

Variations of Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

While this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe is a true classic, there are plenty of ways to switch it up:

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a kick of heat.
• Different Coatings: Try using panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or seasoned almond flour for a variety of crunchy textures.
• Alternative Sauces: Swap the honey BBQ sauce for teriyaki, buffalo, or even a savory garlic Parmesan sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to flip chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes, it’s recommended to flip the chicken tenders halfway through the air frying process. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispness on all sides of the tenders.

How do you air fry crispy honey BBQ chicken?

The key to air frying crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is to thoroughly bread the chicken and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, lightly spray the basket with oil, and air fry the breaded chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the hot, crispy chicken in the honey BBQ sauce for a delicious sweet and smoky flavor.

How to make real good chicken tenders in the air fryer?

To make amazing Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, start by seasoning the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices. Bread the tenders in a three-step process of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a super crispy exterior. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd, and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The result will be juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a deliciously crunchy breading.

How long should chicken tenders be in the fryer?

For Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, the ideal cooking time is 10-12 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is cooked through while developing a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Be sure to flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders and your specific air fryer model.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders
• Maple Bacon Chicken Tenders
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
• Honey Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bombs

Conclusion

With their crispy breading, juicy chicken, and irresistible honey BBQ flavor, these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are sure to be a new family favorite. The convenience of air frying makes this recipe a total no-brainer for quick and easy meals, game day snacks, or anytime you need a flavor-packed chicken dish. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with the magic of air-fried chicken tenders!

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