1. Preparing the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coating the Chicken Tenders
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated chicken tenders in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Cooking the Chicken Tenders
- Place in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Making the Honey BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat the Sauce: Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Coating the Chicken Tenders with Sauce
- Toss in Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the honey BBQ chicken tenders immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Even Coating: Make sure each chicken tender is evenly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy.
- Watch the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce while heating to prevent it from burning or becoming too thick.
Variations
- Spicy Honey BBQ: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Honey BBQ: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the honey BBQ sauce for a zesty twist.
- Honey Mustard BBQ: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the honey BBQ sauce for a tangy flavor.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a fantastic combination of crispy and juicy, with a flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. They’re quick and easy to make, making them perfect for any night of the week. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or sides for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this easy and delicious dish!