Description
This Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe features crispy, golden-breaded chicken tenders air-fried to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy homemade honey BBQ sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer, these tenders offer a perfect combination of crunch and saucy richness without deep frying. The air fryer method ensures a healthier alternative with less oil, while the honey in the sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness balanced by apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken tenders.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Beat the eggs in another shallow dish, and place the breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs until completely coated.
- Arrange for Air Frying: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray with cooking spray to ensure crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Tenders: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey BBQ Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss or Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and either toss them in the honey BBQ sauce to coat evenly or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, spray both sides with cooking spray before air frying.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Adjust the honey amount in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these tenders can be baked in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Easy Chicken Recipes, BBQ Sauce Chicken