Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

5 from 3 votes

Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders! Cooked to perfection in an air fryer, they boast a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy, tender interior. But what sets them apart is the homemade Honey BBQ Sauce—sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of smoky.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer chicken tenders, chicken tenders, honey bbq chicken tenders

Servings:

Calories: 582kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt

Ingredients

1½ pounds chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into long strips, boneless and skinless
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

Honey BBQ Sauce

½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently to ensure they adhere.
Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they don't touch each other. You may need to cook the tenders in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray.
Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce by whisking together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook the sauce for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer when they are cooked through and golden brown.
Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the Honey BBQ Sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Video

Notes

Breadcrumb Substitution: If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or cornflakes make for great alternatives.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs.
Spice Level: For those who like it spicy, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture for an extra kick.
Storage: These tenders store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that delightful crunch.

Nutrition