As a chef, I always look for ways to make classic comfort foods healthier. Deep-fried chicken tenders might be delicious but leave you feeling greasy and sluggish. That’s where the magic of the air fryer comes in! This recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders is a game-changer. You get all the crispy, crave-worthy goodness of fried chicken without the added fat.

These tenders are a staple in my house. My kids go crazy for them; they’re so easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Plus, they’re an excellent option for parties or potlucks because they’re always crowd-pleasers.

Here’s everything you need to know to make these insanely delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

• 3 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce (choose a sugar-free option for a healthier twist!)
• Olive oil spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
• 12 chicken tenderloins (about 1.5 pounds total)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large egg white (for extra crispy coating)
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a dietary restriction)
• 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (plain or gluten-free)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Olive oil spray (for coating the chicken)

Equipment

• Air fryer

Instructions for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Season the chicken tenders generously with the spice mixture.
• Set Up the Breading Station:
  • • In three separate bowls, set up your breading station.
    • In the first bowl, whisk the beaten egg and egg whites together.
    • In the second bowl, add the seasoned breadcrumbs.
    • In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Bread the Tenders:
  • • Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
    • Dip the floured tender in the egg mixture, coating it completely.
    • Roll the tender in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
    • Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.
• Air Fry! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops of the tenders with a light coating of olive oil.
• Cook to Crispy Perfection: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Serving and Sides

These Air-Fried BBQ Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or hot sauce. Pair them with healthy sides like roasted vegetables, air-fried sweet potato fries, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when craving crispy chicken without the guilt.  They’re so easy to make, and the air fryer does all the hard work. You can customize them to your liking by using different BBQ sauces or adding your favorite spices to the breading.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to the tenders and follow the rest of the recipe instructions.

Don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

No problem! You can use all seasoned breadcrumbs instead.

My air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting. What should I do?

Simply place the chicken tenders in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

So ditch the deep fryer and try these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders! They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!