Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

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These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders are a perfectly seasoned main dish for the entire family. Using just 4 simple ingredients, they are easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, there isn’t any breading, making them a better option than traditional bbq chicken tenders, which are coated in flour. Make these a meal with my slow cooker baked beans using canned beans or any of these bbq chicken sides.

Tender and succulent BBQ chicken tenders artistically arranged on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Why Make BBQ Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Easy recipe using simple ingredients: The prepping and cooking processes for this recipe are super easy, and you need less than 5 ingredients to make this chicken appetizer or main dish for your whole family.
Quick meal: This recipe takes about 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Low-carb option: If you’re on a low-carb diet, these naked chicken tenders will serve your tastebuds and diet without the extra carbs. Any low carb bbq sauce or brown sugar replacement works.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you need to know to make this recipe successfully. Be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Chicken Tenderloins: I follow this tutorial to remove the tendons (0:26-1:10). You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips to make chicken tenders.
BBQ chicken seasoning: I’m using a homemade dry rub that combines things like garlic powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, thyme and more. I make this ahead of time and use it on all types of chicken pieces like these BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs and even side dishes like Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Canned Beans.
Avocado oil: this helps the spices stick to the meat and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. You can also use olive oil.
Barbecue Sauce: I use hickory bbq sauce, but your favorite sauce works too!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tenders: tenderloins, BBQ seasoning, avocado oil, and hickory BBQ sauce in separate bowls

How To Make BBQ Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Add the chicken breast tenderloins to a large mixing bowl with the spices and oil. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry 400 for 6 min.
Brush the chicken tenders with BBQ sauce on both sides.
Air fry at 400 degrees for 5-6 more minutes to cook them through. Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes, and serve. Leftover sauce can be served with the chicken in a dipping cup.

steps to make BBQ Chicken in an air fryer

Recipe Tips & FAQs

Remove the tendons from the tenders: Tendons tend to toughen up when cooked, so removing them cuts on the cooking time and produces better results.
Mix the spices in a small bowl: Mixing all the spices in a bowl before applying helps coat the meat evenly.
Let them rest: Allow the cooked tenders to rest before serving to preserve and lock in all the juices.
Add the bbq sauce later: bbq sauce will burn if left on the chicken the entire cook time.

What are chicken tenders made of?

Chicken tenders are parts of a chicken (minor muscles) found on the underside of the breast.

Is there a difference between chicken strips and chicken tenders?

Even though some people use these terms interchangeably, there’s a difference between strips and tenders. Chicken tenders are actual muscles on the sides of the breasts while chicken strips are cut from the breasts and are usually precooked before selling.

What goes with BBQ chicken?

You can have your BBQ chicken tenders with any of your favorite side dishes including mac & cheese, cornbread, pasta salad, slow cooker baked beans with canned beans, and creamy coleslaw among others.

BBQ chicken tenders, adorned with fresh parsley, served on a plate with a side of flavorful BBQ sauce

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