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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray - 2 large eggs First, rinse the chicken tenders under cold water. This helps remove any leftover bits. Next, pat them dry with paper towels. Dry chicken helps the coating stick well. Now, season the chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step boosts the flavor. Set up your breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, mix all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. The third bowl holds the panko breadcrumbs. Now, take one chicken tender. Dredge it in the flour mix, shaking off the extra flour. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Finally, coat the tender with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s well covered. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. This allows hot air to circulate freely. Cook the tenders for about 8-10 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking. This helps them get crispy on all sides. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last two minutes of cooking, brush BBQ sauce over the tenders. Add more sauce if you want extra flavor. Enjoy the crispy and tasty meal you created! To get your chicken tenders nice and crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko adds a light, crunchy texture. This is key for a great bite. Here’s how to fry them right: - Dredge Properly: Coat the chicken well in flour first. This helps the egg stick. - Use Egg: Dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten eggs. It helps the panko stick better. - Panko Layer: Roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently for even coating. You can boost the flavor of your chicken tenders easily. Start with a custom spice mix. - Spice It Up: Add more smoked paprika or garlic powder. Adjust to your taste. - BBQ Sauce Choice: Pick a BBQ sauce you love. Sweet, spicy, or tangy can change the dish. Safety matters when cooking chicken. Always check the internal temperature. - Target Temperature: Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This keeps it safe to eat. - Even Cooking: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. Avoid stacking. Turn halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your BBQ chicken tenders by using different sauces. Try using a sweet honey BBQ sauce for a rich taste. You might also enjoy a spicy chipotle sauce for some heat. Want something different? Use teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory twist. Buffalo sauce adds a fiery kick. Each sauce gives a new vibe to your dish. While chicken tenders are great, you can switch to chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts can make your meal juicier. You can also use turkey tenders for a leaner option. If you want a plant-based meal, try using tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to get the best texture. Pair your BBQ chicken tenders with tasty sides. Crispy fries make a classic match. A fresh salad can add color and crunch. For a fun twist, serve them in wraps or as sliders. You can add some veggies and sauce for extra flavor. These ideas make your meal more exciting and enjoyable. To store cooked chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy finish. Freezing chicken tenders is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Cooked BBQ chicken tenders last for three days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. When in doubt, throw it out! Enjoying them fresh will always give you the best taste. Cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You should turn them halfway to ensure even cooking. Always check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders! If they are breaded, cook them for about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). No need to thaw them first. Just remember to check the temperature. They should still reach 165°F (74°C). BBQ chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Fresh vegetable sticks with dip - A side salad - Macaroni and cheese These sides enhance the meal and add fun flavors. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders! In this guide, we explored how to make tasty BBQ chicken tenders using simple ingredients. We covered everything from prepping the chicken to achieving the perfect crispy coat in the air fryer. You can customize flavors, try different meats, and serve them with fun sides. Remember the tips for storing and reheating leftovers to enjoy them later. With these steps, you'll serve everyone a meal they'll love. Now, it's time to fry up some delicious chicken tenders!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe that combines delicious flavor with a healthy twist! This easy dish features juicy chicken coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, perfectly cooked in just 20 minutes. With simple steps and your favorite BBQ sauce, these tenders are sure to impress at any meal. Click through now and try this tasty recipe that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in one, the beaten eggs in the second, and the panko breadcrumbs in the third.

      Coat the Tenders: Start with one chicken tender, dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Repeat with all the chicken tenders.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they're not touching to allow even cooking.

            Cook: Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              Apply BBQ Sauce: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders, adding more sauce if desired for extra flavor.

                Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4