Hey there, friends! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve got to try these BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer! Seriously, they’re juicy, tender, and covered in that sweet, smoky goodness we all crave. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is—just a handful of ingredients, and you’re on your way to a meal that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up. Plus, they’re gluten-free! That means you can enjoy them without any worries. In just about 27 minutes, you can have these crispy, golden beauties ready to devour. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (packed for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Make sure your chicken tenders are thawed if they’ve been frozen, and don’t be shy about using your favorite BBQ sauce—this is where the flavor really shines! The breadcrumbs will give you that delightful crunch, so I always recommend using fresh ones if you can. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Let’s dive into the joy of making these BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer! Trust me, this method is not only fast but also keeps the chicken juicy and the coating crispy. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because you want those tenders to cook evenly and get that perfect golden color.
- While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your BBQ sauce with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what’ll make your chicken sing with flavor!
- Now it’s time to coat those chicken tenders. Dip each one into the BBQ sauce mixture, making sure it’s fully covered in that delicious glaze. Ooh, I can smell it already!
- Next, dredge the coated tenders in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully covered for that extra crunch—this is where the magic happens!
- Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; you want hot air to circulate and crisp them up nicely.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden brown and cooked through. If they’re not quite there yet, give them a couple more minutes!
Once they’re done, let them rest for a minute before digging in. Trust me, the anticipation will only make that first bite even better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 27 minutes!
- Incredibly flavorful with that sweet and smoky BBQ sauce.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy without worry.
- Easy cleanup—no messy frying oil to deal with!
- A healthier option compared to traditional frying, but still crispy and satisfying.
Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that checks all these boxes? You’re going to want to add this one to your regular rotation!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your BBQ chicken tenders turn out absolutely perfect! First, remember that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chicken tenders. If they’re thicker than usual, don’t hesitate to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. You want that juicy tenderness inside!
For an extra crispy coating, I recommend giving the tenders a quick spray with cooking oil before popping them into the air fryer. This little trick helps achieve that golden crunch we all love. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the breadcrumbs! Try panko for an even crunchier texture. And don’t forget to let them rest for a minute after cooking; it really helps those juices settle in. You’re going to love the results!
Nutritional Information
These BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer are not only delicious but also a healthier option for your meal! Each serving, which is about 4 pieces, contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. With 8g of sugar and 600mg of sodium, they fit nicely into a balanced diet. Remember, these values are estimates, so be sure to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portions.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they’re cooked all the way through. You’ll still get that delicious BBQ flavor!
What BBQ sauce works best?
I love using a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, but feel free to use your favorite! Whether it’s tangy, spicy, or sweet, the key is to pick one that you really enjoy since it’ll be the star of the dish.
Can I make these BBQ chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tenders and coat them in the BBQ mixture and breadcrumbs, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the air fryer.
What should I serve with these tenders?
These tenders are great on their own, but I love serving them with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad. You could also pair them with sweet potato fries for a fun and delicious meal!
Can I use different seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or even some dried herbs. It’s all about making these BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk about what to do with those tasty leftovers! If you happen to have any BBQ chicken tenders left after your feast (which is always a great problem to have), let them cool completely before storing them. Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tight so they don’t dry out!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple. I recommend putting them back in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps them regain that crispy texture we all love! If you don’t have an air fryer on hand, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on them, and you’ll be ready to dig in again in no time!
Print
BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer: 27 Minutes to Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken tenders made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken tender in the BBQ mixture.
- Dredge the chicken in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the tenders.
- For extra crispiness, spray the tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bbq chicken tenders in air fryer