Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients. Plus, cooking in an air fryer reduces the amount of oil you need, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. You can enjoy a tasty dish without the guilt!
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: celery sticks & ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken tenders to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes for added glaze. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Plate with fresh celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dip.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Serve these delicious chicken tenders hot from the air fryer. Pair them with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They make a great appetizer for parties or a tasty main dish for the family. You can also serve them with a side salad or french fries for a complete meal.
How to Store Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer. When reheating, use the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Tips to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This helps the tenders cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, if possible.
- Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or using different marinades like honey mustard or teriyaki sauce. You can also switch up the dipping sauces!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. What is the best BBQ sauce to use?
The best BBQ sauce is the one you enjoy the most! Choose your favorite type, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to create tenders. Just make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 4–6 pieces boneless chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- celery sticks & ranch or blue cheese dressing Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken tenders to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Cooking
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes for added glaze. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Plate with fresh celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dip.