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To make crispy air fryer BBQ chicken tenders, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce These chicken tenders are the star of the dish. They are tender and juicy, perfect for air frying. Next, you need some seasoning to boost the flavor: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste This mix brings a nice depth to the chicken. The smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. Garlic and onion powders give it a savory kick. Finally, we need the coating to give that crispy texture: - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - Olive oil spray Panko breadcrumbs make the tenders super crunchy. The flour helps the coating stick, and the eggs bind it all together. A light spray of olive oil at the end ensures crispiness. Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. This step cleans them well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. Make sure they are not wet. Next, season each tender with salt and black pepper. This adds great flavor. Prepare three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend gives a nice taste. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully mixed. The third bowl holds the panko breadcrumbs. This will make the tenders crispy. Take a chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture first. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs. Let the extra egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the tender in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so they stick well. Repeat for all the chicken tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry the tenders for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last 2 minutes, brush BBQ sauce over the tops of each chicken tender. Add more sauce if you want a bolder flavor. Once done, take the tenders out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy. Serve them on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for an extra pop. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful BBQ chicken tenders! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko adds a light, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs can't match. Be sure to coat each tender well. Press the panko onto the chicken so it sticks. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket. Space allows hot air to circulate, making your tenders crispy all around. Choose a BBQ sauce you love. A sweeter sauce balances well with the savory chicken. Brush the sauce on during the last two minutes of cooking. This keeps the sauce sticky and rich without burning. For an extra kick, mix in a bit of hot sauce. That small addition can boost the flavor profile. Don’t skip seasoning the flour mix. Salt and spices enhance the taste of the chicken. Also, check the air fryer temperature. If it's too low, your tenders won’t cook right. Lastly, flipping the tenders halfway is key. This ensures even browning and helps them cook through completely. {{image_4}} You can try many sauces for your chicken tenders. Instead of BBQ, use ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Each sauce gives a unique taste. For a sweet touch, try teriyaki sauce. For spicy flavors, sriracha or chipotle sauce works well. Feel free to mix your favorite sauces for a new flavor. Change the seasoning for a new twist. Instead of smoked paprika, try cayenne pepper for heat. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal flavor, while lemon pepper gives a zesty kick. You can also use a taco seasoning blend for a fun twist. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix. If you don’t have chicken tenders, don’t worry! You can use chicken breasts cut into strips. They work just as well. For a lighter option, try turkey tenders. You can also use plant-based chicken substitutes if you prefer a meatless meal. The air fryer will still make them crispy and tasty. You can store leftover chicken tenders in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the tenders cool down before sealing them. This helps keep them crispy. To freeze, wait until the chicken tenders are cold. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tenders for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer works best. You should air fry chicken tenders for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. The tenders will be crispy and golden brown when done. Yes, you can make these tenders gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This way, you still get that crispy texture without the gluten. You can serve BBQ chicken tenders with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - French fries - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Fresh veggies - Garlic bread These sides complement the tenders and make for a great meal. To check if chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If it looks juicy and feels firm, it’s ready to eat. This blog post covered how to make crispy BBQ chicken tenders. We explored key ingredients, including seasonings and coatings, to boost flavor. I provided clear steps for prepping, breading, and air frying the chicken. You also learned tips to ensure crispiness and enhance BBQ taste while avoiding common mistakes. In the end, these tenders are versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and sides to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

Enjoy a delicious and crispy treat with these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe features juicy chicken coated in flavorful seasonings and crispy panko breadcrumbs, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. In just 20 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready for the family. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Begin by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly. Generously season each tender with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.

    Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. Fill the third bowl with the panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy texture.

      Coat the Tenders: Take one chicken tender and first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the tender thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere. Repeat this process with all chicken tenders.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

          Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap for optimal crispiness.

            Cook: Air fry the tenders for approximately 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.

              Apply BBQ Sauce: In the final 2 minutes of cooking, carefully brush the BBQ sauce over the tops of each chicken tender. Feel free to add extra sauce if you desire a bolder flavor.

                Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps to retain moisture and ensures they’re juicy when served.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tip: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for a pop of color. A side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping always adds a nice finishing touch!