Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS: A KID-FRIENDLY FAVORITE!

These quick and easy chicken tenders made in the air fryer are EVERYTHING. Not only are they quick and easy to make, they are also a kid favorite in this house. To round out my list of why you need to try this recipe, they are light, healthy (no breading) and so versatile!

Lately these chicken tenders end up on our dinner table at least once a week, and if it’s not this recipe, it’s our other favorite Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe.

Let’s head to the kitchen and I will show you how to make BBQ chicken tenders in the air fryer.

❤️ Ashley

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders Ingredients

Gather the ingredients. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found below in the printable recipe card. You will need:

• Chicken Breast Tenders – about 1 to 1 ¼ pound of chicken breast tenders.
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• BBQ sauce

Step by step instructions:

The process for making bbq chicken tenders in the air fryer couldn’t possibly be any easier.

1. Add chicken tenders to a medium sized bowl.
2. Season them up: I use salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
3. Toss with bbq sauce.
4. Air Fry

How long to Air Fry Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders cook quickly in the air fryer. To air fry chicken tenders:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Arrange BBQ Chicken tenders in an even layer making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Air Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken tenders is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the size of your chicken tenders, it could take longer or shorter for them to cook through. A meat thermometer is always a good idea to ensure that the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees, which is considered the temperature that is safe for consumption.

Serving Suggestions

This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because the chicken tenders only need about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Here are some suggestions for serving these chicken tenders to your family.

1. French fries or sweet potato fries
2. Mac and Cheese – have you tried my Instant Pot Mac and Cheese? So good!
3. Coleslaw
4. Corn on the Cob (microwave, boil, grill, or slow cook!)
5. Fruit Salad
6. Veggies and Dip (with homemade ranch of course!)

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Instant Pot Easy Mac and Cheese

The Best Corn on the Cob

The Best Homemade Ranch Dip

Chicken Tender Variations

This recipe is not only quick and easy, it’s also versatile simply by changing up the seasonings or the sauce. In place of BBQ sauce, try:

1. Teriyaki sauce
2. Buffalo sauce
3. Honey Mustard
4. Or try a variety of different BBQ sauces – honey BBQ, Sweet and Spicy, or any other favorites! If you are watching your sugar intake, opt for a low-carb BBQ sauce.

I like to chop up these chicken tenders to use on a BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad — it’s SO good! Start with a bed of lettuce, add corn, black beans, green onions, cheese, and BBQ chicken, then drizzle with homemade ranch and BBQ sauce.

Tips for perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Avoid over-crowding the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
• Check the temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer as it’s nearing completion to ensure that you are not over-cooking the chicken.