Air-Fried BBQ Chicken Tenders

crispy, juicy chicken tenders are coated in a smoky BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist. They’re quick to make and perfect for a tasty snack or easy dinner.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total Time 40 min

Difficulty Medium

Ingredients 0/6

3 ½ ounces barbecue-flavored pork rinds 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning 1 egg, beaten 1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins cooking spray

Why This Recipe Is So Tasty

These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all without the extra oil from deep frying. They cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the BBQ flavor adds a delicious smoky sweetness that everyone will enjoy.

Pro Kitchen Tips

- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Crush the pork rinds in a food processor until they’re about the size of breadcrumbs, then pour them into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix together the flour and barbecue seasoning. Beat an egg in a third bowl.

Step 2

To coat the chicken tenders, first dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the crushed pork rinds until well coated.

Step 3

Spray the air fryer basket with some nonstick cooking spray. Arrange half of the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch, and give them a light spray on top as well. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Repeat the process with the remaining tenders.

Serving Tips

Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the smoky flavors. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce for added taste. These tenders also go well with crispy fries or roasted vegetables.

Reheating And Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave. For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders and thaw overnight before reheating.

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people cooked this recipe

By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.