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.

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything’s well distributed.

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.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 3–5 minutes). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

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.

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.