Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat that combines the perfect crispiness with a sweet and smoky glaze. Ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or quick weeknight meals, these tenders are sure to impress. The simplicity of preparing them in an air fryer means you get all the flavor without the mess of traditional frying!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
• Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
• Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
• Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
• Step 6: Rest Before Serving
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• With Dipping Sauces
• On a Salad
• In a Wrap
• How to Perfect Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• Reheating Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders?
• How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy?
• Can I customize the flavor of my honey BBQ sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 17 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these tenders a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Flavorful Glaze: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a complete meal or snack.
• Healthy Cooking Method: Cooking in an air fryer reduces excess oil, making this dish healthier than traditional fried chicken.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This appliance allows for quick cooking while achieving that coveted crispy texture without deep frying.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before coating the chicken.
• Basting brush: Helps evenly coat the chicken tenders with the delicious sauce mixture.

Ingredients

To make these Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders, boneless, skinless
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Thoroughly coat each chicken tender in the sauce mixture:
1. Ensure every piece is evenly covered for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer Basket

Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket:
Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown

Cook for 10–12 minutes:
1. Flip halfway through to achieve an even caramelization.
2. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Let the chicken tenders rest for 2 minutes after cooking:
This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain juicy.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders hot:
Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes for an enjoyable meal!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are delicious and versatile. You can elevate your meal by serving them with various sides or sauces that complement their sweet and smoky flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy option that balances the sweetness of the chicken.
• Honey Mustard: Adds a zesty sweetness that pairs well with the honey BBQ glaze.
• Buffalo Sauce: For those who like it spicy, this sauce adds a kick to your tenders.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Top a bed of fresh greens with sliced chicken tenders for a light meal.
• Caesar Salad: Add tenders on top of romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing for a hearty twist.

In a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps: Roll the tenders in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and ranch for an easy lunch.
• Pita Bread: Stuff chicken tenders in pita pockets with veggies and sauce for a fun twist.

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How to Perfect Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

To achieve the ultimate crispy and flavorful chicken tenders, follow these tips for perfection.

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: This step is essential for achieving an even cooking temperature and crispy texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality BBQ sauce will enhance the flavor of your tenders significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each tender enough space to cook evenly and get crispy all around.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: This ensures even cooking on both sides for optimal flavor and texture.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allowing them to rest for a couple of minutes helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Pairing sides with your Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders can take your meal from good to great. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy cabbage salad that adds freshness and pairs well with the sweet flavors of the chicken.
2. French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a hit alongside any chicken dish.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the BBQ taste beautifully; grill or boil it as you prefer.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort food vibes perfect for any gathering.
5. Baked Beans: A smoky side that enhances the overall barbecue flavor profile of your meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly ignore preheating: Not preheating the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always set your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chicken.

• Boldly overcrowd the basket: Placing too many tenders in the basket can hinder airflow and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you coat the chicken well with the honey BBQ mixture.

• Boldly overlook resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out. Letting them rest for a couple of minutes helps keep them juicy.

• Boldly forget to check doneness: Not checking if the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) could lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; ensure all air is removed before sealing.

Reheating Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat in a non-stick pan for about 5 minutes until warm and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders that you might find helpful:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Just increase your cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders?

Popular choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and consider using a light spray of oil on your tenders before cooking for extra crispiness.

Can I customize the flavor of my honey BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick, or mix in some mustard for tanginess.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different spices or sauces according to your taste preferences. Try this easy recipe tonight, and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!