I’ve always had a soft spot for anything coated in smoky BBQ sauce—especially when it’s wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. But here’s the thing: as much as I love those deep-fried versions from diners and game-day gatherings, I don’t always love the greasy aftermath. That’s where these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders come in. They’re golden, crispy, and sticky with sweet, tangy sauce—minus the mess and excess oil.
Whether I’m whipping these up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them as a party snack, they never last long. They’ve got that irresistible crunch on the outside and that juicy pull-apart tenderness on the inside. Plus, the air fryer makes this recipe super quick and low-maintenance. No need to hover over a hot stove or deal with splattered oil. Just a few simple ingredients, a few minutes, and boom—crispy BBQ magic.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken tenders:
I like to use fresh, boneless chicken tenders because they cook quickly and stay incredibly juicy. You can also slice chicken breasts into strips if you can’t find pre-cut tenders. Either way, make sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
BBQ sauce:
This is where the flavor really shines. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. I often go for a thick, hickory-style sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Breadcrumbs:
Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs both work here, depending on how much extra flavor you want. They add that signature crunch to the outside once the tenders get cozy in the air fryer.
Paprika:
Smoked paprika adds a subtle, warm smokiness that plays so well with the BBQ flavor. It’s like a background note that ties everything together without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder:
A touch of garlic powder gives the tenders a little savory punch and balances out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Salt and black pepper:
Simple seasonings that are essential for boosting the flavor of the chicken. Don’t skip these!
Olive oil spray:
This helps the coating crisp up beautifully without the need for deep frying. Just a light mist over the tenders before they go into the air fryer is all you need.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for dipping, optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Place them in a bowl and toss with half of the BBQ sauce so they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Mix the Breading
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything’s well distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Tenders
One by one, dredge the saucy chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Set them on a plate or tray while you work through the rest.
Step 4: Preheat and Spray the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 3–5 minutes). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Tenders
Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—you might need to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 6: Brush with Extra BBQ Sauce (Optional)
For that sticky, glossy finish, brush the cooked tenders with a little more BBQ sauce right after they come out of the fryer. Serve warm with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use parchment liners in your air fryer if you’re worried about sticking or cleanup. Just make sure they’re safe for air fryers and have perforations.
- If you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.
- Don’t skip flipping the tenders halfway through—this ensures even crispiness on both sides.
- Try mixing a little hot sauce into the BBQ sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Want an extra-crunchy crust? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for an hour before breading if you have time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but they should be thawed first to ensure even cooking and proper coating.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp them back up.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any type works, but thicker sauces cling better. Hickory, honey BBQ, or smoky chipotle flavors are especially great here.
Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
You can skip them for a lighter version, but you’ll lose the crispy texture. Crushed cornflakes or almond flour can be fun alternatives.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes—it helps get that crisp outer layer right from the start. A quick 3–5 minute preheat is perfect.