Description
This BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal, perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy inside. With a nostalgic touch, these tenders are coated in a tangy BBQ sauce seasoned with garlic and onion powders, making it a delicious and easy dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Seasoning & Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking
- Oil spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together for a seasoned BBQ coating.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the BBQ sauce mixture, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the tenders from sticking and help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even air circulation and cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders, making sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air flow and even cooking.
- Flipping the tenders halfway ensures both sides get crispy.
- Adjust seasoning and BBQ sauce quantity based on taste preference.
- Use a meat thermometer for safety to confirm chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve with a side of veggies or salad for a balanced meal.
