Name: BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins (about 8-10 pieces); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil (or spray); 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

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BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer are a juicy, crispy, and flavor-packed dish, perfect for quick dinners, game days, or family-friendly meals. This Smoky Air Fryer Delight combines tender chicken with a caramelized BBQ glaze, delivering bold taste with less oil thanks to the air fryer. Ready in just 20 minutes, these tenders are easy to customize and sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

This BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer recipe is a standout Smoky Air Fryer Delight:

Quick & Easy: Prepped and cooked in about 20 minutes.
Healthier Choice: Crispy texture with minimal oil compared to frying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, smoky BBQ flavor kids and adults adore.
Customizable: Adjust spices or sauces to match your taste.
I served these at a barbecue, and they were the ultimate Smoky Air Fryer Delight hit!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Here’s what you’ll need for BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer (serves 4):

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips)
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (e.g., smoky, sweet, or spicy)
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish, extra BBQ sauce for dipping

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Use tenders for convenience or cut breasts into even strips.
BBQ Sauce: Thicker sauces cling better; choose your favorite flavor.
Oil: A light coating ensures crispiness without excess grease.
Spices: Optional spices add depth; adjust to preference.
Equipment: Air fryer (4-quart or larger), large bowl, tongs, basting brush.

Directions for BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Let’s create these delicious BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer!

Preheat Air Fryer

I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

Season Chicken

In a large bowl, I toss 1 lb chicken tenders with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and optional 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp chili powder until evenly coated.

Air Fry

I arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for this BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer recipe. I air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Add BBQ Sauce

I brush the tenders with ½ cup BBQ sauce and return them to the air fryer for 2–4 minutes to caramelize the sauce, ensuring a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Serve

I let the tenders rest for 1–2 minutes, garnish with optional chopped parsley, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 25g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Try these twists on BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer:

Spicy Kick: Mix 1 tsp hot sauce or ¼ tsp cayenne into the BBQ sauce.
Honey BBQ: Add 1 tsp honey to the sauce for a sweeter glaze.
Herb-Infused: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary before air frying.
Breaded Crunch: Coat in 1 cup seasoned panko before air frying.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and skip breading or use gluten-free panko.

Storage

I store leftover BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. For freezing, I place cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, reheating from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or thawing first.

Serving Ideas

Make your BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer a star Smoky Air Fryer Delight:

Classic: Serve as a Smoky Air Fryer Delight with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or green onions for color.
Pairing: Enjoy with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a cold iced tea.
Presentation: Arrange on a platter with veggie sticks for a party spread.
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.

FAQs

Have questions about BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer? Here are answers to common queries:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, thaw completely before seasoning for even cooking.

What BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a smoky, sweet, or spicy sauce; thicker ones coat better.

Do I need to flip the tenders?
Yes, flipping ensures even crisping and cooking on both sides.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, cook and refrigerate, then reheat in the air fryer before serving.

Are these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and skip breading or use gluten-free panko.

How do I know when they’re done?
Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Do they stay crispy after saucing?
They keep some crispiness; air frying after saucing helps set the glaze.

Can I bread the tenders?
Yes, coat with flour, egg, and panko for a crunchy version.

What sides go well?
Pair with fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.

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Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer are a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal option. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or meal prepping, these Smoky Air Fryer Delight tenders deliver bold barbecue taste and tender texture in every bite—with a fraction of the fuss.