Description
These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Coated in a blend of spices and breadcrumbs, then air-fried to perfection, they are served with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 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)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while preparing the chicken.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Beat the eggs in another shallow dish. Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place the breaded tenders in a single layer without touching. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 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 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove chicken from the air fryer and toss in the honey BBQ sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip.
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.
- Adjust the honey amount in the sauce to suit 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg