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.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time40 min
Difficulty
Medium
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.
Ingredients
0/6
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.
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.
367
people cooked this recipe
ByDaniel Wilson
Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of pork rinds?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but pork rinds add extra crunch and a unique flavor.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before air frying.
What if I don’t have barbecue seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Can I cook all the chicken tenders at once?
It’s best to cook them in batches without overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What type of cooking spray should I use?
Use a nonstick cooking spray suitable for high heat, like avocado or canola oil spray.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, but slice them into strips similar in size to tenderloins for even cooking.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve a crispy coating and ensures even cooking throughout.
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