Kids and adults alike will enjoy these crispy air-fried BBQ chicken tenders: breaded, air-fried until golden, then coated in a sweet, slightly spicy BBQ sauce. Serve them with corn on the cob or a big salad for a complete meal.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
If you love your air fryer, this BBQ chicken tenders recipe is a must-try. These tenders are breaded, air-fried with minimal oil for a lighter result than deep-fried chicken, and tossed in a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce. They have a touch of heat from cayenne, which you can omit for a milder, kid-friendly version. Ready in about 30 minutes, they make a perfect weeknight dinner, lunch, or easy family meal.
Why This Recipe Works
These BBQ chicken tenders are a flavorful variation on classic air-fryer chicken strips. A few key reasons this method yields great results:
- Lighter than deep-frying: Air frying crisps the coating using very little oil, so you get crunch without the heavy grease.
- Big flavor from simple ingredients: Seasoned breadcrumbs and panko provide texture, while BBQ sauce adds sweet, smoky and tangy notes.
- Kid-friendly options: For young eaters, leave out the cayenne and serve with fries or veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below are the ingredients to make crispy BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer. Use the recipe card for exact measurements.
- BBQ sauce: Choose a lower-sugar brand if preferred, or use a homemade BBQ sauce.
- Chicken tenders: About 12 tenders (1 1/2 lbs); you can use store-bought tenderloins or slice breasts into strips.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Eggs: One large egg plus one egg white to help the coating adhere.
- Breadcrumbs and panko: A mix of seasoned breadcrumbs and panko yields a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Olive oil spray: To lightly coat the tenders before air frying for extra crispness.
How to Cook BBQ Chicken Tenders
Cooking at a higher temperature—about 400°F—is best to get the exterior crisp while keeping the interior juicy.
- Prepare the sauce: Thin the BBQ sauce with 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of water and set aside so it’s easy to brush on.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the tenders with salt, garlic powder, and a little black pepper.
- Set up your dredging station: Beat the egg and egg white in one bowl. In a shallow dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, and cayenne.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each tender into the egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess. Arrange in a single layer and spray both sides lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry: Working in batches, cook at 400°F for about 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until the exterior is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the air fryer and brush or drizzle with the thinned BBQ sauce to coat completely. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Chicken: If tenders aren’t available, slice chicken breasts into strips of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or prepare a homemade Kansas-style BBQ sauce for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the heat: Omit the cayenne or reduce it for a milder version; add more for extra spice.
- Breadcrumb alternatives: If you don’t have seasoned crumbs, mix plain breadcrumbs or panko with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- No air fryer? Bake on a lined sheet at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Tenders
These tenders pair well with classic BBQ sides like air-fryer French fries, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or sweet potato fries. A bright salad—Cobb or a corn, tomato and avocado salad—adds freshness and balances the meal.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep and cook in about 35 minutes.
Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Ready in about 35 minutes.
Coleslaw
Prep in about 45 minutes.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ready in about 20 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness; microwaving is quicker but will soften the coating.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Recipe Card — BBQ Chicken Tenders
Yield: 4 servings (about 3 pieces per serving)
Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 20 mins • Total: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons favorite BBQ sauce
- Olive oil spray
- 12 chicken tenderloins (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko (plain or gluten-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the BBQ sauce with 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons water to thin and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder and a pinch of black pepper.
- Whisk the egg and egg white in a bowl. In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, panko and cayenne.
- Dip each tender in the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess and place on a tray. Spray both sides with olive oil spray.
- Air fry in batches at 400°F for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Brush or drizzle with the thinned BBQ sauce to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you can’t find chicken tenders, slice breasts into similar-sized strips so they cook evenly.
- Omit the cayenne for a milder result. Adjust spices in the breadcrumb mix to taste if you don’t have seasoned crumbs.
- To bake instead of air frying: 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 312 • Protein: 43g • Carbs: 17.5g • Fat: 6.5g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 5g • Sodium: ~752mg