Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders: Your Ultimate Quick & Healthy Weeknight Meal Solution
As the school year kicks into full gear, finding delicious yet quick weeknight dinner ideas can feel like a constant battle. Between homework, extracurriculars, and the general hustle and bustle of family life, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? If you’re searching for a meal that effortlessly delights both picky eaters and sophisticated palates, look no further than these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders. This incredible recipe is an absolute must-have for any busy parent’s culinary toolkit. Imagine serving a flavorful, satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes, using just 4 simple ingredients! Pair these golden, crispy chicken tenders with a refreshing jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, and you’ve got a complete, wholesome meal ready to enjoy in record time. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when time is precious but quality and taste can’t be compromised.
Beyond its incredible speed, this recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders offers unparalleled versatility and convenience. It comes together so quickly and easily that it’s ideal for adapting to even the pickiest eaters – perhaps serving some plain for the little ones before coating others in a delicious BBQ glaze. For ultimate meal prep efficiency, consider making a double batch. The cooked tenders freeze beautifully, providing a fantastic, ready-to-go lunch option for school or work. Kids adore these chicken tenders, whether packed in their lunchboxes as a standalone protein or tucked into a soft bun to create a delightful sandwich. The beauty of this dish extends to its make-ahead potential. You can bread the chicken strips in advance, storing them in the refrigerator, so dinner can be on the table just minutes after you walk through the door at the end of a long day. Simply pop them into the air fryer right before serving for that fresh-cooked crispness. This strategic preparation transforms chaotic evenings into calm, enjoyable family mealtimes.
If you’re as enthusiastic about your air fryer as I am, you already know its potential for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary delights. This versatile kitchen gadget is not just for chicken tenders! It’s a game-changer for countless dishes, offering crispy textures with minimal oil. To further explore the magic of air frying, I highly recommend trying some of my other favorite air fryer recipes. You’ll love these innovative creations: Air Fryer Apple Pie Eggrolls, a sweet and crispy treat perfect for dessert or a snack; Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli, which brings an Italian appetizer favorite right to your table with a fraction of the fat; and this wholesome Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowl recipe, a creative way to enjoy crunchy taco shells without deep frying. Each recipe showcases the air fryer’s ability to deliver incredible flavor and texture, making mealtime both exciting and efficient.
This post is sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods, but my love of their products and my opinions are all my own!
Why Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders Will Become Your Family’s New Favorite
There are so many compelling reasons why these Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Tenders are destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. First and foremost, they embody the ultimate trifecta of convenience: they are incredibly **quick to prepare**, remarkably **easy to make**, and require an astonishingly short list of just **4 core ingredients**. This simplicity is precisely why it has earned a permanent spot in my collection of go-to recipes and is consistently requested by my family. The combination of crispy breading and tangy BBQ sauce creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, from toddlers to adults.
Beyond their immediate deliciousness, these chicken tenders are a lifesaver for busy households. The ability to make a double batch and freeze the leftovers cannot be overstated. We all know the daily struggle of the “lunchbox dilemma” – trying to pack something nutritious and appealing that kids will actually eat. Having these perfectly portioned, ready-to-heat chicken tenders in the freezer makes school mornings or work-from-home lunches significantly less stressful. Just pull them out, reheat, and you have a wholesome, homemade option that beats anything from a drive-thru. This level of convenience frees up valuable time, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of family life without compromising on delicious, home-cooked meals. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil and healthier results, a win-win for everyone!
Understanding the Air Fryer: Your Secret Weapon for Crispy Chicken
For those who might be new to the world of this remarkable kitchen gadget, an air fryer is a compact countertop appliance designed to circulate hot air rapidly around food. Essentially, it creates a powerful convection effect that cooks food evenly and produces that coveted crispy texture usually associated with deep frying, but with significantly less, or often no, added oil. This revolutionary cooking method makes it an indispensable tool for achieving a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior for dishes like these BBQ chicken tenders.
The benefits of using an air fryer extend beyond just texture and reduced oil. It’s incredibly efficient, often cooking food faster than a conventional oven, and it doesn’t require preheating for as long. This speed is precisely what makes it an absolute game-changer for those hectic weeknights when you need to get a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in a flash. Imagine enjoying your favorite fried foods, from chicken and fries to vegetables, with a fraction of the guilt and mess. It’s a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to enjoy crispy deliciousness, solidifying its status as a must-have appliance in modern kitchens.
Optimal Time and Temperature for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is paramount, not only for taste but, more importantly, for food safety. When preparing any chicken dish, including this delectable BBQ chicken tender recipe, it’s crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an appropriate internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness. There’s nothing worse than serving an undercooked meal, so vigilance in this step is key.
For our Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders, the general guideline for cooking is to air fry the chicken strips at **380 degrees Fahrenheit**. Initially, cook them for approximately 11 minutes (as mentioned in the recipe card). After this initial period, you’ll brush them with BBQ sauce and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes per side. While these times provide an excellent starting point, it’s vital to remember that cooking times can vary. Factors such as the thickness of your chicken strips, the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, and whether you’re cooking from fresh or frozen can all influence how long it takes for the chicken to reach safe doneness.
To guarantee your chicken is cooked to perfection and is safe to eat, always use a reliable **meat thermometer**. The internal temperature of chicken should reach **165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)** when inserted into the thickest part of the tender. This is the ultimate foolproof method, eliminating guesswork and ensuring a safe, succulent result every single time. Investing in a good meat thermometer is a small step that makes a huge difference in your cooking confidence and food safety.
The Perfect Pairing: Quick & Nutritious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
When it comes to crafting fantastic-tasting, wholesome home-cooked meals without all the fuss, my appreciation for Paisley Farm Foods aligns perfectly with their mission. They understand the need for convenient, quality options that you can confidently serve your family. This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe is a testament to quick cooking, and what better way to complement it than with a side that’s equally effortless and packed with nutrition?
Enter the Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad! This vibrant, delicious, and incredibly versatile side dish comes straight from the jar, requiring literally zero preparation. Just open, pour into a bowl, and serve. It’s an absolute game-changer and a true lifesaver for those incredibly hectic weeknights when you’re striving to put a homemade meal on the table in the shortest amount of time possible. The salad features a delightful blend of various beans, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken tenders. It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire meal, ensuring a balanced plate without adding a single minute to your cooking time. Beyond its convenience, it adds a wholesome, fiber-rich component that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Tenders
One of the many beauties of this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this family favorite:
- Chicken Breasts: I typically use around **3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts** for this recipe, yielding a generous serving perfect for a family meal or for meal prepping. You have the flexibility to purchase whole chicken breasts and cut them into strips yourself, or save a step by opting for pre-cut chicken strips from your grocery store. For best results, aim for strips of roughly equal thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Egg: A single **large egg**, beaten, forms the essential binder for our breading. Any type of chicken egg will work perfectly. Ensure it’s thoroughly beaten in a shallow dish, creating a consistent wash for the chicken. If you find you’re running low or need to stretch it further for a larger batch, a splash of water or milk can be added to the beaten egg mixture without compromising the coating.
- Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These provide that irresistible crispy coating. You can choose the convenience of store-bought **pre-seasoned breadcrumbs**, which are a fantastic pantry staple for busy weeknights. Alternatively, for a more personalized flavor, you can easily make your own. Simply process stale bread in a food processor until fine crumbs form, then mix in your favorite dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of paprika. If you only have plain breadcrumbs on hand, don’t fret! Just add your preferred blend of dried herbs and spices to taste. Having a box of seasoned breadcrumbs ready in your pantry truly streamlines the process.
- BBQ Sauce: The star of the show for that signature smoky and sweet flavor! For ultimate speed and convenience on a bustling school night, I highly recommend using your favorite **bottled BBQ sauce**. There are countless varieties available, from sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy, so choose one that your family loves. However, if you have a little extra time and prefer the rich depth of homemade flavor, I encourage you to try my Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe – it’s absolutely fantastic and elevates this dish to another level!
Crafting Your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these mouthwatering Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor or texture. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time. For exact ingredient measurements, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located further down below.
Step One: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Cut them into uniform strips, aiming for roughly equal size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If you’ve opted for pre-cut chicken strips from the grocery store, you can happily skip this initial preparation step!
Step Two: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow dish, immerse each chicken strip into the beaten egg mixture. After thoroughly coating, press them firmly into the seasoned bread crumbs. Ensure each tender is completely and evenly coated – this breading is key to that desired crispy texture.
Step Three: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Before placing your chicken, give the basket of your air fryer a light but thorough spray with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps ensure the breading cooks to a perfect golden crisp.
Step Four: Air Fry the Tenders
Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer within the prepared air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy result. Lightly mist the tops of the chicken tenders with a bit more non-stick spray to aid in browning and crispiness. Set your air fryer to **380 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 193 degrees Celsius)** and cook for about **11 minutes**. Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary, so cooking times may differ slightly. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown breading and an internal temperature of **165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)** when checked with a reliable meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Step Five: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
Once the initial cooking is complete and the chicken is nearly done, carefully open the air fryer. Generously brush the tops of the chicken tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional **2 minutes**. Then, flip each tender, brush the other side with more BBQ sauce, and air fry for another **2-3 minutes**, or until the BBQ sauce has caramelized beautifully on the outside, creating a sticky, glossy glaze. This caramelization adds immense depth of flavor and a wonderful texture.
Step Six: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the caramelized BBQ chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately. Offer any remaining BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their level of sauciness. These are fantastic on their own, or served alongside your favorite sides.
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders: A Classic Alternative
While the air fryer delivers unparalleled crispness and speed, you can certainly achieve delicious results by baking these BBQ chicken tenders in a conventional oven. This method is perfect if you’re cooking a larger batch or don’t have an air fryer. To prepare these in the oven: begin by preheating your oven to **375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)**. Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Bake for approximately **15 minutes**, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe **165 degrees F (74 degrees C)**. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet, brush both sides of the chicken tenders generously with your chosen BBQ sauce, and return them to the oven for an additional **5 minutes**. This final baking step allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize and cling to the chicken, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. Serve these oven-baked delights with any extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
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If you adore this recipe for quick and delicious BBQ chicken tenders, make sure you save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it for your next meal planning session!
Homemade BBQ Sauce: Elevate Your Tenders
While this recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders leans on the convenience of bottled BBQ sauce for quick weeknight preparation, there’s something truly special about a homemade sauce. Crafting your own barbecue sauce allows for complete control over the flavor profile – whether you prefer it sweeter, tangier, spicier, or smokier. If you’re inclined to elevate your chicken tenders with a truly exceptional, made-from-scratch sauce, I wholeheartedly recommend following my dedicated homemade barbecue sauce recipe. It’s surprisingly simple to make with common pantry ingredients and adds an incredible depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates. It’s an easy way to customize your meal and add a gourmet touch to your speedy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
How do you make BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Making delicious BBQ Chicken Tenders in the air fryer is surprisingly simple and incredibly efficient. The process involves a few key steps: first, prepare your chicken strips by dipping them into a beaten egg wash, then thoroughly coating them in seasoned breadcrumbs. Once coated, place these breaded chicken strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. In the final stages of cooking, you’ll brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize and adhere beautifully to the crispy breading. This method ensures maximum flavor and a delightful texture, all with minimal effort.
Do you put BBQ sauce on chicken before or after you cook it?
For these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders, we follow a two-stage application method for the BBQ sauce. Initially, the chicken is cooked in the air fryer without any sauce. This allows the breading to become perfectly crispy and golden brown. Once the chicken is nearly cooked through and the breading is set, that’s when the magic happens! You’ll generously brush the BBQ sauce onto the chicken tenders during the last few minutes of cooking. This timing is crucial because it allows the sauce to caramelize and become deliciously sticky without burning, creating that irresistible glaze. Additionally, I always recommend serving extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, giving everyone the option to add more flavor to their preference.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely, you can and should put raw chicken directly into your air fryer! The air fryer is designed to cook raw meats, including chicken, thoroughly and safely. Just like a conventional oven, it uses hot air to cook food from the outside in. The key is to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, regardless of whether it’s breaded or unbreaded. The circulating hot air in an air fryer is excellent for cooking raw chicken quickly while maintaining juiciness and often achieving a crispy exterior.
Can I use BBQ sauce in my air fryer?
Yes, you can certainly use BBQ sauce in your air fryer, and it’s highly encouraged for this recipe! The air fryer does an excellent job of caramelizing the sauce and locking in its delicious flavor. However, there’s a specific technique to ensure the best results and avoid a sticky mess. Instead of pouring the BBQ sauce directly over the chicken strips, which can cause drips and burns in the air fryer basket, it’s best to apply it with a brush. Simply place your desired amount of BBQ sauce in a small bowl, and use a silicone pastry brush to evenly coat the chicken tenders while they are in the air fryer basket during the final cooking stage. This method ensures even coverage and that beautiful caramelized finish without making cleanup a nightmare.
Can I make these chicken tenders in the oven?
Absolutely! While the air fryer is fantastic for speed and crispness, these BBQ chicken tenders can be wonderfully prepared in a traditional oven, offering a delicious alternative, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd or prefer oven baking. To prepare these as baked BBQ chicken tenders: Preheat your oven to **375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)**. Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately **15 minutes**, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **165 degrees F (74 degrees C)**. Then, generously brush BBQ sauce onto both sides of the chicken tenders and return them to the oven for an additional **5 minutes** to allow the sauce to heat through and caramelize. Serve immediately with any remaining BBQ sauce for dipping. This method yields tenders that are still tender and flavorful, with a lovely saucy glaze.
Versatile Substitutions for Your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for several substitutions to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Chicken Cut: While chicken breasts are classic for tenders, if your family prefers the richer flavor and slightly juicier texture of chicken thighs, feel free to substitute them. Simply trim any excess fat and cut them into similar strip sizes as the breasts. Keep in mind that chicken thighs might require a minute or two longer to cook due to their fat content, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Bread Crumbs: No seasoned bread crumbs? No problem! Grab a box of plain bread crumbs and become your own seasoning expert. You can add a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, basil, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. This is also a fantastic way to cater to picky eaters; prepare a portion of plain breaded chicken for those who prefer it unseasoned, then add spices for the rest of the family. This customization allows everyone to enjoy the meal just the way they like it. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs, which work just as well.
- Vegetarian Option: For the vegetarians at your table, this recipe can be easily adapted using firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, then cut it into strips mimicking the size of chicken tenders. Follow the same breading and cooking steps. Note that the cooking time for tofu will likely be shorter than for chicken, so monitor it closely until golden and crispy. This provides a flavorful, plant-based alternative that doesn’t miss out on the BBQ goodness.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: While the recipe calls for your favorite bottled BBQ sauce, don’t limit yourself! Experiment with different flavors like honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, hickory smoke, or even a tangy Carolina gold style. Each variation will give your tenders a unique twist, keeping mealtime exciting.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Mastering these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders is simple with a few expert tips. Incorporating these tricks will not only ensure perfect results every time but also make your cooking experience even more enjoyable and efficient.
- Uniform Sizing is Key: To ensure your chicken breast strips cook evenly and finish at the same time, it’s essential to cut them into pieces of roughly equal size and thickness. Irregularly sized pieces can lead to some being overcooked and dry, while others remain undercooked. A sharp knife makes this task much easier and safer.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is arguably the most crucial tip for cooking any poultry. A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend for guaranteeing that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This eliminates any guesswork, ensures food safety, and helps you achieve perfectly juicy chicken every single time without drying it out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal crispiness and even cooking, avoid overloading your air fryer basket. Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary, allowing enough space for the hot air to circulate freely around each piece. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of frying it, resulting in a less desirable soggy texture.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: While some air fryer recipes skip this step, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken can significantly improve the crispness of the breading and help achieve a more consistent cook.
- Storage and Meal Prep: Cooked Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders are excellent for meal prepping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to **3-4 days**. For longer storage, cooked and cooled tenders freeze beautifully for up to **2-3 months**. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again, or microwave for convenience (though crispness will be reduced).
Discover the Goodness: Why You’ll Adore Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
Pairing your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders with Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad isn’t just about convenience; it’s about adding a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor to your plate. This exceptional side dish offers an array of benefits that make it a standout choice for any meal. It’s wonderfully **low in calories**, remarkably **healthy**, and caters to various dietary needs as it is completely **dairy-free** and **gluten-free**. What truly sets it apart is its rich **plant-based protein** content, featuring chickpeas (garbanzo beans) as a prominent source, alongside a robust blend of other nourishing beans.
Each jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is a vibrant mix of **green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans**, all beautifully accented with crisp, freshly diced onions and sweet red peppers. This thoughtful combination not only provides a diverse nutritional profile but also a delightful textural contrast. Straight from the jar, these beans boast a unique **sweet pickled taste** – a refreshing tang that complements savory main dishes perfectly. This distinctive flavor makes them fantastic not only as a standalone side but also as a versatile ingredient. I’ve found them to be an incredible addition to recipes like this hearty Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad or my rich and flavorful Creamy Mexican Hot Taco Dip!
Indeed, the Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad truly reigns supreme as one of the easiest and most nutritious side dishes you can serve. Its grab-and-go nature makes it an ideal accompaniment for quick meals such as Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak and Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a simple step that adds a burst of flavor, texture, and essential nutrients to elevate any plate.
You also have to try their Asian Bean Salad, too! It makes a wonderful side dish for those meals with an Asian flair, bringing a unique blend of flavors to your table!
Like these Sticky Asian Meatballs
Or this super easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki!
For an effortless and complete meal, I simply tossed some tater tots in the air fryer, opened a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, and served up these delightful BBQ Chicken Tenders in record time! It’s proof that a delicious, satisfying, and wholesome family dinner doesn’t have to involve hours of cooking.
EXPLORE ALL MY PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE
You can easily pick up delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad at major retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger Stores, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and many other fine retailers. Be sure to check out all of their other fabulous products by visiting their official website for a full product list and store locator. For a continuous stream of great recipes and culinary inspiration all year long, don’t forget to follow Paisley Farm on their social media channels: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. They offer fantastic ideas for incorporating their versatile products into your everyday meals!
In conclusion, this recipe for Breaded Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders stands out as an absolutely delicious, fuss-free, and incredibly versatile meal that is guaranteed to be a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a tangy, caramelized BBQ glaze is simply irresistible, making it a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It perfectly embodies the ease and efficiency of air frying, delivering restaurant-quality taste with the convenience of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re facing a busy school night or simply craving a quick yet satisfying dinner, these tenders are your ultimate go-to solution. Serve them with a side of nourishing Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad for a complete and balanced meal that makes weeknights enjoyable again. Embrace the simplicity and savor the flavor – your family will thank you!
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts about 3 pounds combined
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
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Cut chicken breasts into strips.
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Dip the chicken strips into the beaten egg and then press them into the seasoned bread crumbs. Taking care to coat them really well.
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Spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place the breaded chicken tenders in the basket and spray the tops of them lightly with non-stick spray.
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Set the air fryer to 380 degrees F. and cook the chicken tenders for approximately 11 minutes. Air fryers will differ. Make sure the breading is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F when check with a meat thermometer.
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Brush the tops of the chicken tenders with BBQ sauce. Air fry for another 2 minutes. Flip them and brush with BBQ sauce and air fry them another 2-3 minutes until the BBQ sauce is caramelized on the outside of the chicken.
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Serve with remaining BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition