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Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

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Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders — Dive into the succulent world of Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders. This recipe marries the irresistible sweetness of honey with the smoky depth of BBQ sauce, all while achieving the perfect crispiness that only an air fryer can offer!

This dish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders without sacrificing flavor or texture. Ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when the craving for something deliciously comforting strikes, these chicken tenders promise to delight your taste buds.

The air fryer cooks them to perfection and reduces the added fat, making this a guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or new to the game, these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are about to become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire.

If you have been looking for easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana, or even Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering dish that combines honey BBQ sauce’s sweet and tangy flavors with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. This recipe promises chicken tenders that not only burst with flavor but also have a delightful texture—crispy on the outside and succulently tender on the inside. The air fryer works magic by circulating hot air around the chicken tenders, ensuring they cook evenly and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without excessive oil. This makes for a lighter version of a traditionally fried favorite, allowing you to indulge in a guilt-free pleasure.

With its rich, nuanced flavors, the honey BBQ glaze clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a sticky, caramelized coating that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, preparing a tasty appetizer for game day, or simply in the mood for a delicious snack, these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer are sure to satisfy. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved comfort food classic, reinvented for a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste or texture.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’re going to adore the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe for a multitude of delicious reasons:

Healthier Option: Enjoy the delectable taste of BBQ chicken tenders without guilt, as air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making these tenders healthier.
Quick and Convenient: These chicken tenders come together quickly with the air fryer, making them a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a speedy snack any time of day.
Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce creates a richly flavored glaze that keeps the chicken moist, juicy inside, and crispy outside.
Easy Cleanup: Air frying means less mess than traditional frying, with fewer dishes and no splattered oil to clean up afterward.
Versatile Serving Options: These chicken tenders are great on their own but versatile enough to be served over salads, in wraps, or alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, these honey BBQ chicken tenders will surely be a hit, pleasing even the pickiest eaters with their irresistible flavor and texture.

This Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe in the air fryer is a delightful way to enjoy a classic favorite with ease, flavor, and a healthier twist.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Dive into the world of delicious, guilt-free indulgence with these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders. This recipe merges the irresistible flavors of honey and BBQ with the unmatched texture that only an air fryer can provide, offering a dish that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat.

Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Tenders: The main star of the dish, chicken tenders are lean, cook quickly, and provide the perfect canvas for the honey BBQ glaze.
BBQ Seasoning: Essential for seasoning the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors before it’s coated with the BBQ mixture.
Honey: The natural sweetness of honey balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce, creating a sticky, caramelized exterior as it cooks.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the perfect adhesive for the cornflakes coating, ensuring it sticks to the chicken tenders evenly. The eggs also help seal the chicken’s moisture during cooking, making each bite tender and juicy.
Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a unique, crispy exterior to the chicken tenders, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The cornflakes also add a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the honey BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey not only adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a glossy, sticky coating, but also balances the savory elements with its warm, mellow flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce store bought or homemade.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders that are not only flavorful and moist but also healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. This recipe is a testament to how easy and delicious eating well can be, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week.

How To Make Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Making Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders in the air fryer with a deliciously savory and sweet glaze is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Here’s how you can prepare this mouthwatering dish right in your kitchen:

Preparation:

Season the chicken tenders with BBQ seasoning to taste.

Coat:

Dip the coated chicken tenders into the egg wash, then roll in the cornflakes.

Cook the Chicken Tenders:

Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
Set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, using air fryer setting nad set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flip the chicken tenders over halfway during the cooking process.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken tender.

Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:

Combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Easy Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Toss:

Toss the cooked chicken tenders with the honey BBQ sauce.

Garnish & Serve:

Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. If using, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tenders while they are still hot for them to stick.
Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This short rest time lets the juices redistribute, making the tenders even more tender and flavorful.

Recipe Variations

Exploring variations of the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders can add excitement and versatility to your meal planning. Here are some creative twists to the classic recipe:

Spicy Honey BBQ Tenders: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
Garlic Parmesan Tenders: After air frying, toss the chicken tenders in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated cheese. Skip the BBQ sauce for a savory, cheesy alternative.
Panko-Crusted Tenders: Substitute crushed cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs for an even lighter, crunchier exterior. Panko provides a delicate crispness that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken.
Gluten-Free Tenders: Use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
Sesame Ginger Tenders: Mix sesame oil, grated ginger, and soy sauce into the honey mixture for an Asian-inspired flavor profile. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving.
Lemon Pepper Tenders: Add zest and cracked black pepper to the egg wash for a zesty, peppery twist. This variation offers a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for summer meals.
BBQ Ranch Tenders: Serve the cooked chicken tenders with a side of ranch dressing mixed with a bit of BBQ sauce for dipping. The combination of creamy ranch and tangy BBQ sauce is irresistible.
Maple Mustard Tenders: Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard with a splash of soy sauce for a tangy, sweet coating. This northern-inspired twist offers a complex flavor palette.

These variations provide a new way to enjoy Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, ensuring you never tire of this versatile and delicious dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a version here that’s sure to satisfy.

Pro Tips

Crafting the perfect batch of Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders requires a blend of technique and culinary tips. Here are some pro tips to ensure your chicken tenders come out juicy, flavorful, and with the perfect crispy exterior every time:

Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate your chicken tenders in a mixture of honey and BBQ sauce for at least an hour before cooking. This step will deepen the flavors and make the chicken even more tender.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Consider placing a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to help with cleanup. Just ensure it’s perforated or add it after preheating to allow air circulation.
Ensure Even Coating: When using cornflakes or any coating, make sure each tender is evenly coated. Press the mixture gently onto the chicken to adhere well, ensuring a uniform crispy texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which might prevent them from getting crispy.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time ensures they are evenly cooked and browned on all sides.
Brush with Sauce Towards the End: To prevent the honey in the BBQ sauce from burning, brush the tenders with the sauce only in the last few minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to caramelize without charring.
Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on the size of your chicken tenders and the specific model of your air fryer, cooking times may vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe is suggested.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after cooking. They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious, restaurant-quality Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders in your air fryer, perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a savory snack.

Faq’s

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, for the best results, thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper sauce adhesion.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked? Chicken tenders are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. They should also be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! To make gluten-free honey BBQ chicken tenders, use a gluten-free flour blend for any breading and ensure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have honey? Can I substitute it with something else? If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. These alternatives will still add the desired sweetness to your BBQ sauce but may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time? While these tenders are best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate them in the honey BBQ sauce and store them in the refrigerator for several hours before cooking. Once cooked, they can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up.

Is it possible to overcook the chicken tenders in the air fryer? Yes, it’s possible to overcook chicken tenders, leading to dry and tough meat. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re just done.

How can I keep the chicken tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use parchment paper with holes in it. Ensure the tenders are not touching each other for optimal air flow.

Can I use a different type of sauce for this recipe? Definitely! While honey BBQ sauce offers a specific flavor, feel free to experiment with other sauces like buffalo, teriyaki, or even a homemade sauce of your choice.

What sides go well with these honey BBQ chicken tenders? These chicken tenders pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture upon serving.

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