Description
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.
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
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. 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. 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. 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. Toss the hot chicken tenders in the warm honey BBQ sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders immediately, with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy this perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and crispy flavors!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80