If you’re looking for a dinner that’s crispy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, let me introduce you to my air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders! Seriously, these tenders are a game-changer. The air fryer gives them that golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Plus, the combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for impressing friends at a weekend gathering. You’re gonna love how easy they are to whip up!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Prepare Instructions
Making these air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, starting with a hot air fryer means the chicken tenders will cook evenly and get that golden-brown finish we all love!
Prepare the Honey BBQ Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey and BBQ sauce until well combined. It should be smooth and glossy—this will be the sticky goodness that coats your tenders, adding that sweet and tangy flavor. Don’t be shy, give it a good stir!
Create the Breadcrumb Coating
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what’ll give your chicken tenders that satisfying crunch. Make sure everything’s evenly mixed so each tender gets a flavorful coating!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now, grab your chicken tenders! Dip each one into the honey BBQ mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely covered. This layering is key for that crispy exterior and juicy interior!
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Ooh, can you smell that? It’s going to be so good!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
With these tasty tenders, you get a nice balance of protein and flavor without the guilt! Enjoy every crispy bite knowing you’re making a delicious choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that satisfies your cravings.
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—every bite is a delight!
- Healthier cooking method thanks to the air fryer—less oil, less guilt!
- Kid-friendly and great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce or spices for a personal touch.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders turn out fabulous every time, here are some pro tips you won’t want to miss!
- Chicken Tender Size: Make sure your chicken tenders are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some overcooked and others undercooked. If they’re thick, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Don’t Rush the Preheating: I can’t stress this enough! Preheating your air fryer is essential for that crispiness. It ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when you put it in, locking in all that juiciness.
- Breadcrumb Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs! Panko gives an extra crunch, while seasoned breadcrumbs can add an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure what you choose complements the honey BBQ vibe!
- Flipping is Key: Flipping the tenders halfway through cooking is crucial. If you forget this step, one side may end up cooking faster than the other, leading to uneven crispiness. Set a timer for the halfway mark to remind yourself!
- Check for Doneness: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). No guesswork here—just perfectly cooked tenders every time!
- Let Them Rest: After taking the chicken tenders out of the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even juicier.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these tenders with some fresh veggies, a side salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal. And don’t forget to keep some extra BBQ sauce handy for drizzling or dipping!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to impress everyone with your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about these air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders is how easily you can switch things up! Here are some fun variations to keep your taste buds dancing:
- BBQ Sauce Swap: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce! Try a smoky chipotle BBQ for a little kick, or go for a honey mustard BBQ for a tangy twist. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor to the table!
- Add Spices: Want to spice things up? Mix in some cayenne pepper or paprika with your breadcrumb coating for a delightful heat. You could also add some smoked paprika for a depth of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for your secret!
- Get Creative with Coatings: Instead of plain breadcrumbs, try using crushed cornflakes or panko for an extra crunch! You can even use crushed pretzels for a salty, crispy coating that’s totally addictive.
- Vegetable Additions: Want to sneak in some veggies? Slice up some zucchini or bell peppers, coat them with the honey BBQ mixture, and pop them in the air fryer alongside your chicken tenders. They’ll cook up beautifully and add a colorful touch to your meal!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to your breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist. This can elevate the flavor profile and make your tenders feel extra gourmet!
- Honey Garlic Tenders: For a different sweet twist, skip the BBQ sauce and use a honey garlic sauce instead. The combination of honey and minced garlic will give you a sticky, sweet, and savory coating that’s simply irresistible!
These variations will not only keep your meals exciting but also let you customize the recipe to fit your cravings. So, don’t be shy—get creative and make these chicken tenders your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that crispy goodness later on!
First, let the chicken tenders cool down to room temperature. Once they’re not hot anymore, pop them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from getting soggy. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or those late-night snack cravings!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again for the best results. Just preheat it to 350°F (175°C), and then place the chicken tenders in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain that crispy exterior! Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re heated through and crispy again.
If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in the oven. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Flipping them halfway will ensure they heat evenly.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders again while still keeping them deliciously crunchy. Happy eating!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For a deeper dive into the benefits of air frying, visit Healthline for more information.
And if you’re curious about the nutritional aspects of chicken, you can find detailed insights at NCBI.
Print
Air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders: 7 Crispy Delights
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey BBQ mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer honey BBQ chicken tenders, chicken tenders, air fryer recipes