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BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

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BBQ Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized with your favorite barbecue sauce. This quick, healthier twist on a classic comfort food delivers crispy edges and tender centers with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthier option: Air frying cuts down on oil without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  • Family favorite: Sweet and smoky BBQ flavor that kids and adults both love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken tenders
  • BBQ sauce
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, parsley for garnish

directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly coat chicken tenders with olive oil or spray. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer.
  3. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Brush tenders with BBQ sauce and return to the air fryer for 2–4 more minutes to caramelize.
  6. Remove and rest briefly. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 12–14 minutes
  • Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy BBQ: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
  • Honey BBQ: Mix BBQ sauce with a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter glaze.
  • Garlic herb: Add minced garlic or dried herbs before air frying.
  • Breaded version: Lightly coat tenders in seasoned panko before cooking for a crunchier finish.

storage/reheating

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw first.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

What BBQ sauce is best?

Any kind you like—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Thicker sauces stick better during cooking.

Do I need to flip the tenders?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and crisping on both sides.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes—cook and store in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer before serving.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be if your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Always check the label.

How do I know when they’re done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Do they stay crispy after saucing?

They retain some crispiness, especially if returned to the air fryer after saucing.

Can I bread the tenders?

Yes, coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air frying for a crispy BBQ version.

What sides go well?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a green salad.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal option. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or meal prepping, they deliver bold barbecue taste and tender texture in every bite—with a fraction of the fuss.

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BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10–12 mins
  • Total Time: 15–17 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings (2–3 tenders per person) 1x
  • Category: Main/Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

Juicy, smoky BBQ chicken tenders made effortlessly in the air fryer—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated with tangy-sweet barbecue sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins (about 8-10 pieces)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or spray)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (205 °C).
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap (cook in batches if needed).
  4. Air fry for 8 minutes; flip halfway through.
  5. Brush both sides of tenders with barbecue sauce, then air fry for an additional 2–4 minutes until sauce is bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
  6. Remove from air fryer, let rest for a couple minutes, and garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 °F internally.
  • For a smoky flavor, use BBQ sauce with liquid smoke or add a dash of smoked paprika.
  • Don’t overcrowd—air circulation is key for crisp edges.
  • Leftover tenders store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes.
  • Serve with coleslaw, air-fried fries, or veggie sticks for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2–3 tenders
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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