Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders: These are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the flavorful coating.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the chicken tenders.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste with a subtle garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other spices.

Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and a vibrant color to the coating.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

When coating the chicken tenders with the bbq sauce mixture, ensure they are evenly covered for maximum flavor. To achieve this, use a basting brush or your hands to massage the sauce into the meat. This not only helps the seasoning adhere better but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes before cooking can enhance the taste even further.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as chicken tenders.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a different but equally delicious flavor profile, offering a sweet and savory taste.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and slightly crunchy texture along with a more robust onion flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy and less pungent.

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to maintain crispiness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen chicken tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chicken tenders can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

• Arrange the leftover chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

• Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Cover the tenders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.

• Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cover with a lid.

• Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through.

• Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.

• Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

• Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning halfway through, until heated through.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the chicken tenders, ensuring they become crispy and cooked through.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the bbq sauce and spices, and to coat the chicken tenders.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking process.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Basting brush: Helps to evenly coat the chicken tenders with the bbq sauce mixture.

• Plate: Handy for placing the chicken tenders before and after cooking.

• Paper towels: Useful for patting the chicken tenders dry before coating them in the bbq sauce mixture.

Pre-mix the spices: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to save a few minutes when preparing the bbq sauce mixture.

Marinate in advance: Coat the chicken tenders with the bbq sauce mixture and let them marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup quicker and easier.

Batch cooking: Cook a larger batch of chicken tenders and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.