Savor the Flavor: Easy Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Craving a delicious and crispy chicken dish with a mouthwatering sweet and smoky flavor? Look no further than these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders! This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, breaded chicken tenders that are coated in a rich, homemade honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or any time you need a flavor-packed chicken dish, these air-fried tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Table of Contents

What Makes Air Fryer Recipes Special?

Air fryers have become a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing you to achieve crispy, fried-like results without the mess and excess oil of traditional frying. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a beautifully golden and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This makes them ideal for recipes like Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, where you can enjoy the flavor and texture of fried chicken without the guilt.

The Appeal of Honey BBQ Flavor

The combination of sweet honey and savory, smoky BBQ sauce is a classic flavor pairing that never fails to satisfy. The honey adds a delightful caramelized note and subtle sweetness, while the BBQ sauce provides a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy backdrop. This dynamic duo creates a well-balanced and irresistible taste that makes these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders so crave-worthy.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Main Ingredients Overview

The star of this recipe is the chicken tenders, which provide a perfect canvas for the breading and sauce. The all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs create a crispy, crunchy coating, while the spices – garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika – add depth of flavor. The honey BBQ sauce is a simple yet irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky elements.

Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best possible results with this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe. Opt for juicy, tender chicken tenders (or breasts cut into strips) and choose a BBQ sauce that you truly enjoy. The honey should be pure and flavorful, and the spices should be freshly ground for maximum aroma and taste.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Prep Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This will add a delightful layer of flavor to the final dish.

Breading Process

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it evenly in the breadcrumbs. This classic breading technique will ensure a crispy, crunchy exterior on your Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders.

Air Frying the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is air frying, prepare the delectable honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer the mixture for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and the flavors have blended together.

Coating the Chicken

As soon as the chicken tenders come out of the air fryer, toss them in the warm honey BBQ sauce until they’re evenly coated. This final step ensures that every bite is bursting with that irresistible sweet and smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Dipping Sauces

Serve the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. You can also offer a variety of other dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, to give your guests options to customize their tenders.

Perfect Side Dishes

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer or game day snack alongside other tasty bites.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

Each serving of Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders contains approximately 350 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 35g of protein, 35g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat. This makes it a relatively healthy and balanced option, especially when compared to traditional deep-fried chicken tenders.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe, such as the chicken, honey, and spices, offer various health benefits. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle growth and development, while honey provides antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. The spices, like garlic powder and smoked paprika, can also contribute anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

Variations of Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

For a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ sauce. This will create a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Gluten-Free Options

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders without any dietary restrictions.

FAQs about Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

How do I air fry crispy honey BBQ chicken?

To achieve crispy Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, be sure to thoroughly bread the chicken by dredging it in flour, dipping it in egg, and coating it in breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How much time to air fry chicken tenders?

The total air frying time for these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.

How do you cook chicken in the air fryer with honey?

To cook Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, first bread the chicken tenders using the flour, egg, and breadcrumb method. Then, air fry the breaded tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Finally, toss the hot chicken tenders in the homemade honey BBQ sauce to coat them evenly.

How to make real good chicken tenders in the air fryer?

The key to making delicious Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is to start with quality ingredients, properly bread the chicken, and air fry at the right temperature and time. Be sure to season the chicken well, use a crispy breading, and toss the hot tenders in the flavorful honey BBQ sauce for maximum flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Recap of the Recipe

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a winning combination of juicy, breaded chicken and a sweet, smoky honey BBQ sauce. By using the air fryer, you can enjoy all the crispiness of fried chicken without the added oil and mess. The simple, yet flavorful, ingredients come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from game day to family dinner.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy chicken tenders, give this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe a try. The irresistible flavors and crispy texture are sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in a delicious, guilt-free chicken dish that’s bursting with sweet and smoky goodness!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Taquitos
• BBQ Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Bowls
• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet

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