Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
312 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders features juicy chicken coated in a crispy breadcrumb and panko crust seasoned with cayenne pepper, delivering a mild spiciness. The chicken is first seasoned, then dipped in an egg and egg white mixture before coating with a flavorful crumb blend. Cooking the tenders in an air fryer at 400°F crisps the coating evenly on both sides within about 10-12 minutes total. After cooking, the chicken is brushed with BBQ sauce to introduce a tangy, smoky finish. The use of an air fryer reduces oil use while achieving a golden crust.
The texture contrasts between the crispy seasoned crust and succulent chicken make these tenders appealing for casual meals or snacks. The recipe provides flexibility with seasoning and sauce intensity for adjusting spiciness or flavor depth. These chicken tenders can be served with extra BBQ sauce, alongside fries or salad as desired.
For best crispness, spray each side of the coated tenders generously with olive oil spray before air frying. Cooking in batches allows even heat distribution. Using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding your own spices helps enhance flavor. If preferred, baking in a 400°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes is an alternative to the air fryer method.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce favorite
- olive oil spray form
- 12 chicken tenderloin 1 1/2 lbs total
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko (plain or gluten-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- olive oil spray form
Instructions
- Combine BBQ sauce in a small bowl with 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of water, to thin down.
- Season chicken with salt, garlic powder and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Combine egg and egg white in a medium bowl. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, panko and cayenne pepper.
- Dip chicken in the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off excess and place on a large dish or cutting board. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.
- In batches, cook the chicken 400F 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside. Brush or drizzle chicken with sauce until fully coated. Serve right away.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken tenders are unavailable.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit entirely for milder tenders.
- Use homemade or your favorite BBQ sauce for coating after cooking.
- If you lack an air fryer, bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes for similar results.
- Discard about 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture as some is lost during coating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 312 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3pieces | |
| Calories | 312kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.5g | 6% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 6.5g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 8% |
| Cholesterol | 171mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 751.5mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
